Ferrari is set to make Formula 1 history during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as it prepares to field Charles and Arthur Leclerc in opening practice.
For the first time in F1’s history, two brothers will compete in a competitive session for the same team as Arthur joins Charles in FP1 at the Yas Marina Circuit.
Arthur Leclerc will also participate in the post-season rookie test at Abu Dhabi, sharing the Ferrari SF-24 with Le Mans winner Antonio Fuoco.
All 10 teams are permitted to field a rookie in at least two FP1 sessions a season.
Ferrari fielded Oliver Bearman during FP1 in Mexico City, but with the Briton now having raced in three Grands Prix (Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan, Sao Paulo) he no longer meets the rookie criteria, hence A. Leclerc’s inclusion in Abu Dhabi.
The younger Leclerc brother was last seen on the single-seater scene in 2023, where he finished 15th in the FIA Formula 2 World Championship with DAMS, scoring one podium.
In 2024, the 24-year-old has competed in the European Le Mans Series [ELMS], piloting a Panis Racing LMP2 and taking victory at the 4 Hours of Imola alongside co-drivers Charles Milesi and Manuel Maldonado.
The trio finished fourth in the 2024 ELMS Drivers’ Championship.
A. Leclerc’s outing in Abu Dhabi will be his second in FIA World Championship Ferrari machinery.
The Monegasque driver participated in the end-of-season Bahrain rookie test for the FIA World Endurance Championship in November, setting the fastest time at the wheel of the Ferrari 499P.
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