Ferrari had already announced a few weeks ago that it would install a new hybrid system. Charles Leclerc’s car, which suffered damage in the Hungarian GP, is the first to test the new system in combination with a new engine.
It should not only give the Ferraris more power, but also give them a head start next year. Then the technical regulations in F1 change thoroughly.
“The main goal is to gain experience with this for next year,” said Ferrari. “We are going to spread this system to our drivers.” Carlos Sainz will probably have to wait until the Turkish GP to test the new system.
Leclerc, the number 6 in the World Cup position, has to take a grid penalty, because Ferrari exceeds the number of allowed engines in one season. He will start on Sunday in Sochi from the last row of the grid.
The Monegask is not the only one with a grid penalty to his name. Dutchman Max Verstappen (Red Bull) is three places back on the grid after his collision with world champion Lewis Hamilton in Monza.
The Russian GP is the 15th round of the Formula 1 World Cup. Verstappen leads the position with 5 points ahead of Hamilton.
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