A tough time for Ferrari has become even more so after Kimi Raikkonen failed to make the grid for the start of the Malaysian Grand Prix, and was ultimately forced to retire before turning a lap.
The 37-year-old Finn was expected to start from the second position, but cited a loss of power during the warmup 30 minutes prior to the race.
The issue only magnifies problems that also hit teammate Sebastian Vettel on Saturday prior to qualifying, which led to starting the race from last.
With the Italian squad hit with a double retirement in the opening lap clash in the last round in Singapore, any hopes for a potential turnaround will be left on a monstrous and historic run from Vettel. No driver has ever finished on podium the final starting position in 18 prior races at Sepang International Circuit.
Joey Barnes is the Founder of Motorsports Tribune, an outlet that began with the goal of helping aspiring journalists break into and grow the industry. A regular on the racing scene since 2013, the journey for Joey started by covering a Grand-Am event at Circuit of The Americas in his home state of Texas. He has since primarily focused on the IndyCar Series, with appearances in the garages of NASCAR, paddocks of Formula 1, IMSA and World Endurance Championship, while also occasionally engulfing clouds of dust at the Chili Bowl Midget Nationals and select Supercross rounds. With previous stops at Autoweek, IndyCar.com, Motorsport.com and RACER, among others, Joey evolved from the singular task as a freelance writer to advanced roles behind the copy desk and alongside some of the best editorial teams in the business. Recognized as a multi-time award winner by the National Motorsports Press Association, Joey currently resides in Dallas-Fort Worth with his trusty four-legged canine companion, Rocket.
