Ferrari has not detected any serious damage on Charles Leclerc’s gearbox, following his qualifying crash in Monaco, but will make a final call on Sunday.
Leclerc captured provisional pole position through the first Q3 push runs in Monaco but erred upon entry to the second part of the Piscine chicane on his second attempt.
The impact broke the right-front of Leclerc’s SF21 and left him unable to avoid a heavier crash at the exit of the corner.
The accident brought out the red flags, denying his rivals the opportunity to improve, and sealing an eighth career pole for Leclerc.
Leclerc conceded after qualifying that he was worried about the damage sustained to the SF21, particularly a gearbox.
Under Formula 1 regulations drivers face a five-place grid drop if they undertake an unscheduled gearbox change.
Ferrari carried out checks post-qualifying and determined that “an initial inspection has not revealed any further damage.”
However Ferrari confirmed that “further checks will be carried out tomorrow to decide if the same gearbox can be used in the race.”
It means that for now Leclerc has avoided any penalty that would cost him pole position but faces a nervous wait to find out if he will start his home grand prix from the front.
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