Leclerc spared grid penalty following engine change

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Ferrari's Charles Leclerc has been spared a grid drop following an engine change ahead of qualifying for the US Grand Prix.

The Monegasque encountered a power unit issue early in FP3, a problem the Scuderia traced to an oil leak.

The problem nevertheless required a proper engine change but the team has fitted a unit from its existing pool to avoid a grid penalty for Sunday's race.

However, the Ferrari crews were still hard at work in the team's garage with 30 minutes to spare before the start of qualifying, but all indications were that Leclerc will have an opportunity to challenge for his eight pole position of 2019.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.