F1 News, Reports and Race Results

Sainz set for back row start in Turkey following PU upgrade

Carlos Sainz will start next Sunday's Turkish Grand Prix from the back of the grid as a result of Ferrari assigning a new updated power unit to the Spaniard.

The Scuderia introduced its long-awaited power unit that features a 2022-spec hybrid system in Russia recently, with Charles Leclerc receiving the engine.

Despite F1's regulation freeze on engine development, Ferrari was authorized to implement the new hybrid element as it had not been updated at the start of the 2021 season.

Sainz will endure a grid penalty as the new unit exceeds the limit of three engines allowed for the season.

"As was the case for Charles Leclerc in Russia, in Turkey Carlos Sainz will take a completely new power unit fitted with the new hybrid system," Ferrari stated in its Turkey Grand Prix preview.

"Therefore he will start from the back of the grid with the aim of climbing up the order to try and score some points."

Read also: Hamilton 'possibly' set for back row start in Turkey

In Sochi, Leclerc, who also started from the back of the grid, gave the thumbs up to the new engine, saying that it felt "better".

Ahead of this weekend's round at Istanbul Park, the Italian outfit also announced that team boss Mattia Binotto will remain in Maranello.

"Mattia Binotto will not attend the Turkish Grand Prix, but as was the case several times last year, the Team Principal will be based in the Maranello factory to focus on development of next year’s car," Ferrari added.

"He will of course follow all sessions and the race from the Remote Garage, with a permanent link to the team at Istanbul Park."

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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.