Charles Leclerc will not use Ferrari's latest engine specification, ADUO2, at the Spanish Grand Prix this weekend. The decision comes after his crash at the Parabolica in last weekend's Italian Grand Prix, which left the 067/6 power unit still undergoing thorough checks. Although Ferrari engineers deemed the engine sound, they chose not to risk running it at the new Madring circuit.
Formula 1 regulations prohibit running an engine that cannot be operated on all its homologated components. While no cracks or breakages were found during external structural checks, Ferrari plans more detailed X-ray examinations to detect any small damage that may have gone undetected. Therefore, postponing the ADUO2 engine is a logical step, especially since the Madring circuit requires drivers to run as long as possible in practice while the team needs data to finalise a set-up that must compromise between slow and fast corners.
Madring is located 667 metres above sea level, similar to the Red Bull Ring in Austria. At that altitude, thinner air could provide a performance gain for engines with a larger turbo compressor like the ADUO2. However, any minor issues with the power unit during Friday practice could risk compromising the GP preparation. Hence, Ferrari decided to postpone the engine's return until FP1 in Baku.
Consequently, Charles Leclerc will use the ADUO1 engine, while Lewis Hamilton can use the ADUO2 as normal. The trackside staff will be able to assess the actual performance difference between the two engine specs. This decision also provides Ferrari with valuable comparison data for future development.
After the disappointment at Monza, Ferrari is quietly hopeful of a strong performance in Madrid. The track characteristics are expected to suit the SF-26, which requires medium-to-high downforce. The asphalt is not expected to provide particularly high grip, which could favour cars with good traction on corner exit. Downforce is likely to matter more than efficiency, and additional flaps on the movable wing actuators may reappear.
Ferrari is also believed to be less affected by the power deficit to the Mercedes V6 because the circuit has 22 corners, offering more opportunities to recharge the battery than Monza. Hamilton and Leclerc will need to focus on single-lap pace, as strong qualifying performance is crucial on a track where overtaking is difficult.
With only the ADUO1 engine, Leclerc faces an additional challenge to remain competitive. However, the team is optimistic that the circuit's characteristics can offset the power deficit. Car setup quality and tyre strategy will be decisive factors. The Spanish GP will test Ferrari's ability to manage engine resources under competitive pressure.
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