Car Leclerc suffers major damage: 'But there will be no grid penalty'

Charles Leclerc had to end the second free practice session for the Mexican Grand Prix early after crashing hard into the wall. The Monegasque's Ferrari appeared to be badly damaged in the images, but according to Ferrari, no grid penalty will follow.

FP2 was delayed after Leclerc's heavy crash mid-session. The Tecpro barrier had to be repaired, which took considerable time. Fortunately, the second practice session was dominated by the Pirelli tyre test for 2023, so the drivers did not lose precious time.

Leclerc already received a 10-spot grid penalty during the US Grand Prix for replacing engine parts. In the images, the Ferrari appears to have been badly damaged during the practice session in Mexico, but Ferrari informs that Leclerc will not receive a grid penalty.

"Charles' F1-75 sustained damage at the rear, but there will not be any penalties for tomorrow [Saturday]," the team explains to Sky Germany. The Monegasque eventually finished the session in seventh place, ahead of teammate Carlos Sainz. However, times in FP2 are not very representative because of the tyre test.