Yuki Tsunoda will stop his points pursuit at the Canadian Grand Prix after Team AlphaTauri outfitted his car with a series of new engine components that lead to the grid penalty.
The Japanese driver was set sixth last time in Baku, in what could have been his best result of the season, when an issue with his DRS forced a late stop that ultimately led to his points disqualification.
Ahead of first practice for this weekend’s Montreal Grand Prix, which returns to the calendar for the first time since 2019 after a two-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic, the FIA has released a list of power unit component changes for the Canadian weekend.
Tsunoda will take a completely new engine—with a new internal combustion engine, turbocharger, MGU-K, MGU-H, control electronics and power reserve—as well as a fifth exhaust for the season.
Since this will be the fourth ICE, turbocharged, MGU-H and MGU-K of the year, thus exceeding his allotment, he will be signed to four penalties by the stewards, which means the race starts on Sunday. .
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Meanwhile, Ferrari said the power unit used by title contender Charles Leclerc in Baku is “irreparable”, as the team works on countermeasures to “strengthen the package” after the double DNF in Azerbaijan. “The situation is under control,” they added.
Leclerc, a two-time winner this year, will run the new ICE, MGU-H, MGU-K and control electronics here — but they’re within his allotment and so won’t take the grid penalty for Montreal.
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At Haas, Kevin Magnussen, who suffered an engine failure in Baku, will drive a new Ferrari, turbocharged and MGU-H, but like Leclerc, he gets away with it because it’s within his customization.
Esteban Ocon follows in Alpine Leclerc, Tsunoda and Magnussen in obtaining the third and final ICE allowed before sanctions are implemented. It will also manage a new turbocharger, MGU-H and control electronics.
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