La qualification by Charles Leclerc was interrupted in Q1, due to a mysterious problem on the SF-23 of the Monegasque who immediately noticed something strange in the behavior of his single-seater, especially in the left-hand corners of the Spanish circuit. Initially there was talk of a problem related to the temperature of the tires given the unstable weather and track conditions, or to the set-up. The SF-23 has a very limited window of use, and the fact that Sainz, on the other hand, managed to get to second position by opting for a different balance already in the FP3 gave way to the idea that it was a problem of settings. But Leclerc, and the same Vasseur they talked about a more specific problem while also seeing the data, albeit an unknown one. The team immediately set to work to understand the origin of the problem, also evaluating the possibility of replacing elements of the Power Unit, particularly in the hybrid system, with a penalty.
Ferrari changes elements
In Barcelona the team brought several updates but attention and concern do not seem to be given by these. Both Leclerc and Sainz had positively evaluated the SF-23 Evo. But the problems in Maranello seem to persist. SF-23 number 16 immediately after qualifying was dismantled for the first analyzes but the curfew prevented it from continuing. It was therefore decided to replace the suspect parts for a greater investigation.
The situation at Ferrari is rather critical from the point of view of the components used. Leclerc has already unmarked the first penalty of the season a Jeddah and the elements that have already been penalized are the control unit and battery pack. Starting from the P19 Leclerc, he could have a "free" change of these elements, which would lead to a penalty. The change would be free as the Monegasque would be serving a penalty position instead of 20.
According to Ferrari's Jock Clear, and reported by the journalist Luke Smith and from other media, the team would have chosen to replace the entire rear end and the consequent battery, control unit, transmission as a precaution, and this, in addition to the penalty, will lead the Monegasque driver to start from the pit lane due to the set up changes prohibited in the Parc Fermé: "Qualifying on the back row gave us the unfortunate opportunity to look at a lot of things. Charles was really uncomfortable with the car right from the first corners in qualifying. We took the opportunity to replace the gearbox, which is in fact the whole rear axle, to make sure there is nothing out of the ordinary” – reports Clear.
Source: Formula1a.one
