Leclerc set for Austria grid penalty after gearbox change

Charles Leclerc will take a five-place grid penalty for the Austrian Grand Prix after it was confirmed that Sauber had been forced to change the gearbox on his Formula 1 car following an issue in final practice on Saturday afternoon.

Entering the weekend on a run of four points finishes in the last five races, Leclerc had hoped to continue his impressive form with another charge towards the top 10, and showed good pace throughout practice.

However, the Monegasque driver was forced to park his car up at the side of the track with two minutes remaining in FP3 on Saturday afternoon, citing a potential engine issue.

Sauber investigated the issue and changed the gearbox on Leclerc's car ahead of qualifying, triggering a five-place grid drop for the race, as confirmed by the FIA on Saturday.

"After the third free practice session today the gearbox of car number 16, driver Charles Leclerc, was replaced for a new one," technical delegate Jo Bauer wrote.

"This gearbox change was before the six consecutive Events expired. Therefore this is not in compliance with Article 23.5a of the 2018 Formula One Sporting Regulations and I am referring this matter to the stewards for their consideration."

Leclerc is currently the only driver to have received a penalty for this weekend's race, with all other component changes made by other drivers being within the regulations.