General
Ferrari replaces Leclerc’s gearbox for Azerbaijan GP
- GPblog.com
According to the usually well informed Corriere dello Sport Ferrari has decided to change the gearbox of Charles Leclerc. The Italian team insisted in Monaco that the gearbox was not damaged by the crash in qualifying, but they are now taking precautions in Maranello.
Leclerc's failure to start on Sunday was due to a problem in the drive shaft rather than the gearbox. The change is not accompanied by a grid penalty in Azerbaijan, as the Ferrari driver did not start in the streets of Monte Carlo. In the event of a DNF or DNS, teams are allowed to change the gearbox 'for free'.
Had Leclerc had to change his gearbox after qualifying, it would have cost him five places on the grid. Ferrari decided to take the risk by just driving to the grid, but then there appeared to be a problem with the drive shaft that was overlooked.
Leclerc still ahead of Sainz
It meant zero points for Leclerc, leaving him with 40 points and seventh in the world championship. He does still have a lead over Carlos Sainz who finished second in Monaco. The difference with his teammate is only two points.