Ferrari explain decision behind crushing Leclerc penalty

Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur has opened up on Charles Leclerc's costly grid penalty for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Leclerc was delayed in taking to the track during the opening practice session around the Yas Marina Circuit as the Ferrari mechanics were spotted working on his car, which was lifted up by mountings.

It was confirmed shortly after the session that the team had been forced to replace his energy store, resulting in a 10-place grid penalty for the race.

The grid drop marks a severe blow to Ferrari's title chances as it enters the season finale 21 points down on leaders McLaren.

While admitting his disappointment over being forced into the situation, Vasseur asserted the penalty did not come as a total shock for the Italian outfit as it had been observing the component for some time.

“No, it's not a surprise, because we are monitoring it for one or two events, and we knew that we were on the edge,” Vasseur told Sky F1.

“We took the decision before the start because we don't want to have a DNF or even to miss a session. 

“It is like it is now. We have to be focused on the weekend to try to get the best of the situation, including the penalty. We still all have to do something, but let us focus on ourselves.”

While Ferrari enters the remainder of the weekend handicapped in the title fight, Vasseur asserted the team has not conceded hope.

“Even without the penalty, I think statistically it was difficult,” he said. “Only one time this season we scored 21 points more than McLaren. 

“It means that it was not an easy one. It's, for sure, even more difficult now with the penalty. 

“But nothing is impossible. Let us focus on ourselves to try to get the best from what we have today, to score the maximum of points, and let's see where McLaren is at the end.”