Prudent Ferrari changes Leclerc and Sainz's engines

©Ferrari

Ferrari think it's better to be safe than sorry, so the Scuderia has changed the Internal Combustion Engine on the cars of both Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz in Jeddah.

The move – described as a "further precaution" by the Italian outfit – comes after Leclerc suffered two Control Electronics issues in Bahrain.

As a result, Ferrari was forced to add a third CE to the Monegasque's pool of hardware which will equate to a 10-position grid drop for Sunday's Saudia Arabian Grand Prix.

But replacing the ICEs of both its cars after just a single race, even out of prudence, is still a worrying state of affairs for Ferrari.

Read also: Leclerc set for 10-place grid drop in Jeddah!

Ferrari isn't the only team in Saudi Arabia that has undertaken engine changes, with McLaren adding a new Mercedes engine and fresh turbocharger, MGU-H and MGU-K elements to the Briton's PU inventory.

As a reminder, Norris suffered a pneumatic pressure leak in Bahrain that ruined his race at Sakhir.

Finally, Red Bull has also executed changes in the engine department, with Sergio Perez taking on a new Honda energy store and control electronics.

Save for Leclerc, none of the above changes warrant a grid penalty for any of the drivers mentioned.

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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.