Leclerc to miss Ferrari's upgraded engine in Spain after Monza crash checks

Charles Leclerc will not have Ferrari's latest engine specification at this weekend's Spanish Grand Prix. The team has decided not to risk the upgraded ADUO2 unit after his heavy Monza crash, pending X-ray checks for hidden structural damage. It's a setback for the Monegasque, who is still feeling the effects of that impact.

Why it matters:

Ferrari's cautious call underscores the delicate balance between performance and reliability. The ADUO2's bigger turbo compressor could have been valuable at Madrid's 667m altitude, but the new Madring circuit demands maximum track time for setup, so the team prioritizes a clean weekend over a marginal gain.

The details:

• The 067/6 unit passed external structural checks, but engineers want X-rays to rule out micro-cracks that could fail under load.
• F1's homologation rules prohibit running an engine whose components can't be fully guaranteed, making the decision logical.
• Leclerc will use the previous ADUO1 spec, while teammate Lewis Hamilton runs ADUO2 as normal.

The big picture:

The Madring layout could suit the SF-26, with medium-to-high downforce and low-grip asphalt that rewards traction. With 22 corners, energy recovery is greater than at Monza, reducing Ferrari's power deficit. Qualifying will be crucial, as overtaking is nearly impossible. Despite Monza's embarrassment, there is quiet ambition within the Scuderia to perform well in Madrid.

What's next:

If Leclerc's weekend unravels, Ferrari could introduce a fresh ADUO2 unit, but that would trigger a grid penalty for a fifth power unit. Alternatively, the team may hold off until a more favorable circuit, preserving his engine allocation. For now, the focus is on maximizing the weekend with the older spec and gathering data for Baku, where ADUO2 should return.