Charles Leclerc will share a historic moment with his younger brother, Arthur, at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, as the pair becomes the first brothers to drive together in an F1 session as teammates for Ferrari. Arthur, aged 24, will replace Carlos Sainz in the first practice session at Yas Marina Circuit, fulfilling Ferrari's second and final rookie driver session requirement of the season.
Under FIA regulations, all Formula 1 teams must feature a rookie driver in one FP1 session each season. This driver must have no more than two Grand Prix starts. Charles had already made way for incoming Haas driver Ollie Bearman during the Mexican Grand Prix. However, as Bearman has since participated in three Grand Prix, including substituting for an unwell Kevin Magnussen at Haas in Brazil, Ferrari needed to find a new driver to meet their FP1 obligations.
Arthur Leclerc’s Big Opportunity
As a result, Arthur Leclerc will step into the SF-24, joining his brother Charles for an unforgettable moment. Arthur, who competed in Formula 2 last season, finishing 15th in the standings with 10 points finishes and a podium in Melbourne, has spent 2024 as Ferrari’s Development Driver. His role has included work in the simulator at Ferrari's Maranello base, as well as racing the Ferrari 296 GT3 in the Italian GT Championship with Scuderia Baldini 27. Additionally, Arthur has competed in the European Le Mans Series with Panis Racing this year, adding valuable racing experience to his skillset.
Abu Dhabi FP1 Session Details
The first practice session for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, marking the final event of the 2024 F1 season, is scheduled to start at 13:30 local time on Friday, December 6. This session will not only be a memorable experience for the Leclerc brothers but will also conclude an exciting F1 season.
Arthur’s participation in the FP1 session is a significant opportunity, showcasing his development within Ferrari's racing strategy. The chance to race alongside Charles is a remarkable milestone for both brothers, adding to their shared legacy in the sport.
Charles Leclerc’s Season Goals
Currently ranked third in the FIA World Championship standings, Charles Leclerc is aiming to surpass Lando Norris at the season's final Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi. With an eye on securing a second-place finish behind Max Verstappen, Charles hopes to achieve this feat for the second time in three years.
The Abu Dhabi event will be a special occasion for Ferrari fans, as they witness history being made with the Leclerc brothers taking to the track together as teammates. Fans are eagerly anticipating this historic moment as the brothers make their mark on Formula 1.