New engine for Leclerc may include 2020 parts – rumor (Update)

Biased British F1 media wrong again

UPDATE This rumor is downgraded to 'false' today. Charles Leclerc has denied that his new engine in Brazil is to test developments for 2020.

Ferrari's 2019 engine is the hottest topic in the Interlagos paddock, after the FIA issued a second technical directive just one race after Max Verstappen accused the Maranello team of being caught "cheating".

"I will get an engine of the same specification that I used before the problems in Austin," Leclerc said, referring to his practice failure in the US.

After that failure, Leclerc had to revert to an earlier specification with a lot of engine life that Ferrari says compromised his performance.

"There is nothing new in it but it should help in qualifying and the race. The pace will be similar, but I will get some advantage," he added. (GMM)

11/13/19 (GMM) Ferrari may test parts for its 2020 engine this weekend in Brazil.

The Maranello team's engine is a hot topic at present, after the FIA in Austin issued a clarification over how the maximum fuel flow is measured.

At the same time, Ferrari's earlier power advantage seemed to vanish.

"The reality is that no one knows why Ferrari was uncompetitive," former world champion Mika Hakkinen told his Unibet column.

"But whatever the reason it will be a focus for improvement for the team as they head into the final races of the season and start to prepare for next year," he added.

Ferrari has denied that the FIA clarification, which came at Red Bull's behest, was the reason for the performance drop in Austin.

Charles Leclerc, however, will have a new power unit fitted in Brazil, following his practice failure in Austin.

According to team boss Mattia Binotto, part of the reason for Leclerc's struggle in Austin was because he used an older and "less powerful" engine in the race due to his practice failure.

"Fitting a new PU means taking a grid penalty in Sao Paulo, but we should be back to our normal performance level and show some fighting spirit to finish the season on a high note," he said.

"That will be important in order to confirm we are making progress with our car and to take some of that momentum into the winter work."

Italy's Autosprint reported that the new engine for Leclerc in Brazil may include "some parts for 2020".