Ferrari expect Leclerc F1 grid drop with engine “irreparably damaged”

Leclerc was taken out by Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll at the first corner of Sunday’s Hungarian GP amid a multi-car collision that caused the race to be red-flagged.

Following an examination of Leclerc’s power unit, Ferrari have confirmed the impact has written off his engine, with a grid penalty for moving onto a fourth PU likely to follow.

“Examination of the number 16 SF21 carried out yesterday in Maranello, revealed that on top of this, the engine was irreparably damaged and cannot be used again, following the impact from Lance Stroll’s Aston Martin,” a Ferrari statement read.

“This is a further blow for Scuderia Ferrari and the Monegasque driver. This damage has a financial impact and also racing ramifications, given that over the remaining 12 race weekends this season, it is highly likely the team could be obliged to fit a fourth ICE to Charles’ SF21, thus incurring grid penalties.”

After the race, Ferrari team principal Mattia Binotto called for teams to be forced to pay for the repairs of other cars if their driver is found guilty of causing an accident.

“I think there is value for discussions in the near future with the other team principals, FIA and F1,” he said.

“Obviously if you're not guilty, having such damage in the budget cap is something which is even more of a consequence now.

“Should we add exemptions? I'm not sure that’s the solution. I think it may be very difficult to be policed.

“But I think that what we may consider is that if a driver is faulty, the team of the driver should pay at least to the other teams for the damages and repairs. That will make the drivers more responsible.”