Is Ferrari already testing novelties for 2023? 'Leclerc gets grid penalty in US'

After Max Verstappen's win in Japan, Charles Leclerc can no longer be champion. Ferrari does not appear to be fighting full out for P2, as they are reportedly risking putting a new engine in the Monegasque's F1-75, which means he will receive a grid penalty in the United States.

Leclerc receives grid penalty in America

So reports the Italian branch of Motorsport.com ahead of the Grand Prix in Austin at the Circuit of the Americas. The medium understands that Ferrari will use the sixth engine of the year for Leclerc, which will put him on a grid penalty of five spots. The interesting thing about this engine change is that the new engine that will be used for the final four races already has modifications meant for next season.

FIA gives permission to 'test' for 2023

The 2023-spec engine should not only provide Leclerc with a more reliable engine that can be fully opened up in the coming races, but also give the team a good chance to see if it is already on the right track with developments for next year. Indeed, in 2022 the team started strongly and seemed to have a good chance of winning both titles, but mid-season they collapsed and Red Bull Racing and Verstappen ran away with the drivers' title and almost certainly the constructors' title. Their own blunders also contributed to this, but the team was forced to reduce power a little because of the engine's failing reliability.

The FIA has given approval for the use of the new engine. Motorsport.com reports that the FIA allowed it because the organisation also benefits from this 'test phase'. The engine will not yet contain real improvements, but it will contain new solutions against existing problems of F1 engines. This will mainly involve material. With the five-place grid penalty, Leclerc already has to make a concession in advance to his rival for P2 in the championship, Sergio Perez. It is therefore possible that Ferrari, which can use the full potential of the new (and probably reliable) engine, will be able to work its way to the front this weekend.