Sainz to start Turkish GP from back due to F1 engine upgrade

The move was expected but has now been confirmed by the Italian outfit after teammate Charles Leclerc started at the back of the previous race in Russia in order to debut Ferrari’s upgraded hybrid system. 

Due to fitting the new engine into Sainz’s car, the Spaniard will start Sunday’s Turkish GP last for exceeding his permitted allocation of power unit components for the 2021 season. 

Although Ferrari has not disclosed how much performance the update brought in Sochi, it is believed to be worth less than 10bhp.

"As was the case for Charles Leclerc in Russia, in Turkey Carlos Sainz will take a completely new power unit fitted with the new hybrid system," Ferrari said in a team statement. 

"Therefore he will start from the back of the grid with the aim of climbing up the order to try and score some points.”

Ferrari also confirmed team principal Mattia Binotto will not attend the Istanbul race and will instead be based at its Maranello factory to focus on development for next season. 

"He will of course follow all sessions and the race from the Remote Garage, with a permanent link to the team at Istanbul Park,” the team added. 

Ferrari currently sits fourth in the constructors’ world championship and trails McLaren by 17.5 points going into the final seven races of the season.