The final Grand Prix of the season is quickly approaching, and it’s shaping up to be exciting for several reasons. Just days before the Abu Dhabi GP, all eyes are on Ferrari and Charles Leclerc, who is fighting for second place in the drivers’ championship, as well as on a groundbreaking event: the presence of Arthur Leclerc alongside his brother for the free practice sessions.
This is a historic first in Formula 1: two brothers will drive together for the same team.
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The Leclerc brothers together in F1: a historic first
This weekend in Abu Dhabi, Charles Leclerc won’t be the only Leclerc family member behind the wheel of a Ferrari. Arthur Leclerc, the younger brother, will have the honor of driving Carlos Sainz’s SF-24 during the free practice sessions, a first in F1 history. Although he’s no longer part of the Ferrari Driver Academy this season, Arthur remains connected to Scuderia Ferrari as a development driver after his time in FIA F2 in 2023. It’s with great pride that he prepares to race alongside his brother, Charles, who is already a key figure in the team. While brothers have raced in F1 before, such as Michael and Ralf Schumacher or the Fittipaldi brothers, they’ve never been teammates in the same session. A true milestone that will mark the history of the Leclerc family and Ferrari.
Making Formula 1 history 👑@Charles_leclerc and @arthur_leclerc7 will be taking part in Friday’s FP1 season as team-mates. You won't want to miss this 🤩 pic.twitter.com/lgUU2WAk7v
— Scuderia Ferrari HP (@ScuderiaFerrari) December 4, 2024
A battle for the Constructors’ title intensifies
The Abu Dhabi GP will also be crucial for Scuderia Ferrari in the fight for the Constructors’ Championship. Charles Leclerc has shown solid form throughout the season, but the last race in Qatar was not ideal for the team. Fortunately for them, thanks to a series of race incidents in their favor – including a penalty for Lando Norris – Leclerc managed to finish in second place. Although Ferrari has reduced the gap with McLaren to 21 points, the challenge remains significant. Leclerc remains confident and hopes the SF-24 will be more competitive on the Yas Marina circuit, a track he particularly enjoys. “Abu Dhabi should be a better track for us than Qatar,” he says, convinced that his team can still get back into the fight for second place in the Constructors’ Championship.
Abu Dhabi: A decisive final act for Carlos Sainz and Ferrari
For Carlos Sainz, the Abu Dhabi GP is much more than just a season-ending race. It’s a chance to end the best season of his career on a high note, securing crucial points in his final race with Ferrari. For Ferrari, it’s an opportunity to capitalize on a track that has suited them well in recent years. While the 2024 F1 season hasn’t been smooth sailing for the Spanish driver, he remains hopeful: “We have one race left, and even though the gap is still big, anything is possible,” he says. Ferrari will need to maximize their performance and hope for a bit of luck to reach their goal.
This article explores the exciting finale of the 2024 F1 season, with Charles and Arthur Leclerc both making headlines at the Abu Dhabi GP. It looks at the historic opportunity for the Leclerc brothers to race together in F1, Ferrari’s push for the Constructors’ Championship, and Carlos Sainz’s determination to close out the season on a high note.
Images: Scuderia Ferrari media