Ferrari is preparing a new Formula 1 chassis for Sebastian Vettel ahead final free practice for the United States Grand Prix, following his problems on Friday.
Late on in second practice, Vettel reported on the radio that the front axle of his car felt like “jelly”, prompting him to return to the pits.
Ferrari conducted an extensive analysis, but could find nothing to explain Vettel’s concerns.
As a precaution against Vettel facing similar worries on Saturday, Ferrari has decided to switch the chassis – a move that has been approved by the FIA.
The new monocoque will be built up on Friday night and scrutineered by the FIA ahead of Saturday’s final free practice session.
Vettel described his first day of running as “messy”, having spun into the gravel at the penultimate corner of the Austin circuit before experiencing his mysterious problem with the Ferrari’s front axle.
He finished the second practice session over half a second down on the pace set by title rival Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes.