Ferrari opt to replace Sainz's engine for Imola Sprint weekend following Australia issues

Ferrari have changed Carlos Sainz’s engine for this weekend’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix as a precaution following his retirement last time out in Australia.

The Spaniard spun out of the race at Albert Park, ending a 17-race points-scoring streak and 31-race finishing streak.

With more points on offer this weekend with the first F1 Sprint of the season taking place at Imola, operating a revised points system for 2022 that gives the winner eight points down to one for eighth place, Ferrari say they “do not want to take any risks”.

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It is Sainz’s second engine of the season and within his allocation so he will not incur any grid penalties for Ferrari’s first home race of the year at Imola. The fresh unit was fitted ahead of first practice, with qualifying taking place later on Friday.

Sainz, who sits third in the drivers’ standings, is in a buoyant mood in Italy following the news he has agreed a two-year contract extension with Ferrari that will extend his stay at the famous red team until at least the end of 2024.

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