Ferrari Suffers Setback At Charles Leclerc's Car Altered Ahead Of Bahrain GP

Charles Leclerc's SF-23 has already had new components.

Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc is set to use a new energy store in his power unit for the F1 Bahrain Grand Prix. However, this decision will not result in a penalty, but it will consume half of his yearly allocation since the energy store is one of six components in the power unit. The F1 rules allow drivers to replace two energy stores throughout the 23-race season.

Moreover, Leclerc will introduce a new control electronics component during the Bahrain race, and drivers can replace only two control electronics throughout the season.

Leclerc will start the first race of 2023 in P3, behind the pole-sitter Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez. Leclerc was Verstappen's main title rival last year and could be a major threat in Bahrain.

Leclerc confirmed that he chose not to pursue pole position during qualifying to preserve his new tyres for the race.

Last season, Ferrari's race strategy was heavily criticised, but the team now has a new team principal, Fred Vasseur. It will be interesting to see how Vasseur manages Leclerc and his teammate Carlos Sainz, who will start the race in P4. Ferrari has announced that they will not have a No. 1 driver this season.

Mercedes will also be up there in the mix at the top of the grid along with Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso.