Ferrari has a tight battle with McLaren ahead of them. Just as unpredictable as the title battle, the game swings to either team each weekend. After the McLaren 1-2 in Monza, the gap between the teams had increased. In Sochi, Sainz brought home 15 points with the podium finish. Now as the Spaniard looks to start Sunday’s race with a new PU, Charles Leclerc plays down the upgraded engine.

Ahead of the Turkish GP, Leclerc reviewed his experience with the new PU at Sochi. “It is a step in the right direction, but it is not a game-changer.” 

This wouldn’t be good news for Carlos Sainz, who undertakes the penalty on Sunday for the same upgrade on his PU. The Italian team has introduced a new hybrid system to the chassis, which is supposedly a trial to their 2022 unit. According to the team, there was an improvement in performance; Leclerc’s P15 finish at Sochi juxtaposing Ferrari.

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Although Leclerc climbed to 12th in no time, the upgrade may be good, but is it good enough to challenge the improving McLarens?

Charles Leclerc ready for Turkish challenge

Although strategies and the rain botched the Monegasque’s race in Russia, he looks forward to making up for it in Istanbul. Reflecting on the last time he was on the Intercity circuit, Leclerc said, “It didn’t end well for me. But while everyone was complaining about grip problems, it wasn’t a bad weekend for us.”

In 2020, Leclerc was racing for a podium position in the Turkish GP; a last-minute spin off the ice-rink pushed him to fourth. The chances of rain don’t baffle the Ferrari driver. “We are ready in any case,whether the grip conditions are the same as last year or better. If they were still difficult, maybe it could be an advantage for us.”

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As Charles Leclerc gets ready for the fixture at Intercity Park, he and his teammate would need to bring home some crucial points for the battle against McLaren. As Sainz starts from the back of the grid, the charge to points, although difficult, should be easy for the skillful driver.

An even track, the Park doesn’t favor either team. Will the Italian team’s upgraded engines pose a threat to the McLaren machines?

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