Charles Leclerc enjoyed a brilliant start to the 2022 campaign. The Monegasque won 2 of the first 3 races and put himself in a prime position in the title race. However, since then, things have started to fall apart as a string of unfortunate results have seen him drop down in the standings.
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The last race in Baku was more of the same, with Leclerc having to retire due to a power unit-related issue. The problems have followed him to Montreal, where the team deemed his power unit unusable.
🚨 Charles Leclerc will start the Canadian Grand Prix from the back of the grid 🚨
He's taken a new ICE, MGU-H, MGU-K, EX and Turbo
— WTF1 (@wtf1official) June 18, 2022
This means that Leclerc will incur multiple grid power unit-related penalties ahead of the race on Sunday.
Charles Leclerc faces a major uphill battle in Montreal
Charles Leclerc just cannot seem to catch a break in these last few rounds, as he is once again marred by misfortune. Leclerc was already set to take a 10-place grid penalty after Ferrari labeled his power unit from Baku “beyond repair”.
To make matters worse, Ferrari have decided to take a completely new power unit. This means that Leclerc will start the Canadian GP from the back of the grid.
This is far from ideal for the Monegasque, who is already 34 points behind championship leader Max Verstappen. He will face a tough ask in cutting through the field on Sunday. Leclerc would be looking only to minimize the damage this weekend as a victory looks out of reach.
Leclerc currently sits P3 in the championship behind the Red Bull duo of Verstappen and Perez. He can see his championship hopes dwindle with each passing weekend. However, with half the season still to go, he would be hoping to stay in the fight till the very end.
Twitter reacts to Leclerc’s grid penalties at the Canadian GP
The fans all had their takes on the matter. Some remained hopeful of the 24-year-old working absolute wonders this weekend. Whereas some deemed the title race essentially finished. Some even went as far as to call Leclerc the ” unluckiest driver on the grid”.
@33d3n unluckiest driver on the grid
— 𝙀𝙈𝙋𝙍 (@Empr_X) June 18, 2022
— Vanya (@vanyac14) June 18, 2022
at this rate he's going to be starting at the back of the grid more often!
— Oliver Draxler (@FadiA85308728) June 18, 2022
However, some fans still remained optimistic about his chances this weekend.
Still gonna get a podium
— Stefan• (@zectrx) June 18, 2022
Smart move. Gets more fresh components in the pool pic.twitter.com/RR3eM7Ux3f
— Mary (@ItsMaryWork) June 18, 2022
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He will still finish in the top four if the cars engine holds out.
— Dave Watts (@davewatts66) June 18, 2022
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Although no one can predict what Sunday will bring. It is safe to say that it will not be an easy weekend for Ferrari and Leclerc. Charles will be hoping for this run of bad luck to end as he aims to keep his title chances alive.