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Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz could miss the start of the Qatar Grand Prix with the Scuderia currently attempting to solve a fuel leak issue with the power unit.<\/p>\n
The Spanish driver is set to line up 12th on the grid after a tumultuous qualifying session that saw him investigated for an incident with Max Verstappen before suffering an early elimination in Q2.<\/p>\n
Things may be set to get even worse for Sainz though. F1 journalist Albert Fabrega reported from the pit lane earlier on Sunday that the mechanics are working on an issue with the Ferrari power unit.<\/p>\n
Fabrega also explained that if there is a leak inside of the fuel tank then it is not certain that the issue will be fixed in time for the race start, placing Sainz’s participation in the Qatar GP into question.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Click here to join our WhatsApp community to be the first to receive breaking and exclusive F1 news.<\/strong><\/p>\n Don’t miss… <\/strong> Lando Norris shows true colours after Piastri gets first career win before him[LATEST] <\/strong><\/p>\n The Lusail International Circuit has already posed plenty of issues for both Ferrari drivers and Sainz wasn’t even surprised with his exit in the second phase of qualifying on Friday.<\/p>\n Speaking after the session, he said:\u00a0\u201cI had a very difficult quali, right from the beginning. Just struggling with the balance. The rear was very, very loose, while in FP1, I managed to switch on the tyres and get decent grip on this new surface.<\/p>\n \u201cWhen the track [temperature] dropped this afternoon, I just couldn\u2019t find any grip out there, so I just struggled quite heavily, so I\u2019m not surprised to be out in Q2.”<\/p>\n More F1… <\/strong> We use your sign-up to provide content in ways you’ve consented to and to improve our understanding of you. This may include adverts from us and 3rd parties based on our understanding. You can unsubscribe at any time. More info<\/p>\n Even if Ferrari can get Sainz’s car ready in time to make the race start, the 28-year-old isn’t feeling optimistic. “But definitely Sunday\u2019s going to be tricky,” he continued.<\/p>\n “Starting from so far back in a difficult track to overtake. But my main focus now is to try and see what we can do better tomorrow [in the sprint race].\u201d<\/p>\n Charles Leclerc has also faced his issues this weekend. Ferrari’s other driver produced a respectable display in qualifying but a post-race five-second time penalty ousted him from the points.\u00a0<\/p>\n
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Lewis Hamilton and Russell among eight drivers facing Qatar GP investigation[MERCEDES] <\/strong><\/p>\n![](\"https:\/\/cdn.images.express.co.uk\/img\/dynamic\/73\/590x\/secondary\/Ferrari-drivers-5000810.jpg?r=1696780478422\")
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