Charles Leclerc in major F1 title race blow with Ferrari facing huge grid penalties after being forced to change engine

FERRARI will be forced to use their final engine change of the season at this weekend’s Formula One Monaco Grand Prix.

The disastrous race in Barcelona, which saw Charles Leclerc retire on lap 27 with a loss of power, saw what looked to be a comfortable win evaporate.

And Ferrari’s latest engine change would likely mean Leclerc will face further penalties further on in a season should the engine need changing again.

Leclerc could be pushed back anywhere between 5-10 places to starting from the back of the grid or pits.

The news will be a huge boost to defending F1 world champion Max Verstappen, who has now seized the lead in the Driver’s Championship.

The Red Bull-driving Dutchman now has a six-point lead over Leclerc heading into this weekend’s race.

Red Bull also took the lead in the Constructor’s Championship.

After the race in Barca, Ferrari confirmed there was irreparable damage and an engine change would be required.

They said: “Having examined the PU from Leclerc’s car, we found the turbo and MGU-H are damaged and cannot be repaired.”

Ferrari’s engine woes could also be a boost to Mercedes, who are hoping to get their season back on track.

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George Russell and seven-time F1 champ Lewis Hamilton came in at p3 and p4 in Spain.

Merc brought significant floor upgrade and the team now believe they’re on the road back to full competitiveness.

When asked if he believed Merc has truly “returned”, Russell replied: “I’d love to say that but today was very tough, I gave everything I could and to us hats off, we did an amazing job.”

“I’m just so proud to be standing here, the guys have worked so hard, so this is for everyone back in Brackley and Brixworth, thank you.”

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