Charles Leclerc will not start the Monaco Grand Prix after detecting a problem on his reconnaissance lap.
Leclerc qualified on pole despite crashing out of Q3 and Ferrari undertook checks in order to avoid a gearbox-related penalty.
Ferrari confirmed on Sunday morning that its checks had determined that it could line up from pole position.
But on his reconnaissance lap to the grid Leclerc detected an issue and returned to the garage, remaining there after the 30-minute cut-off prior to the race when pit exit closes.
Ferrari attempted to repair Leclerc’s car in time for the start of the race but deemed that the problem, diagnosed as a left driveshaft issue, was terminal.
“What I know is it’s not coming from the gearbox, but the rear-left of the car. Whether it’s related to the crash or not, I don’t know,” said Leclerc.
“In the garage it was very difficult to feel OK, but now I guess I’m getting used to this feeling here. I’ve never finished a race here.
“It’s a difficult one to take and I feel for the team. The mechanics checked everything and all the parts were fine, but then this happens and it’s just a shame for everyone.”
Those behind will not move up a position and will still start from where they qualified.
Max Verstappen will start from second spot, with Valtteri Bottas third, though they are now effectively the front row of the grid
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