Arthur Leclerc Replaces Hamilton for Abu Dhabi FP1
Arthur Leclerc is set to replace Lewis Hamilton for the opening practice session at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, fulfilling Ferrari's mandatory rookie FP1 requirement. This offers the younger Leclerc, a crucial simulator driver, valuable track time alongside his brother Charles. Hamilton will return for FP2 as Ferrari closes its 2025 campaign, with Hamilton seeking his first Grand Prix podium for the team.
Ferrari will feature a familiar family duo in the final FP1 session of the season, with Arthur Leclerc once again joining his brother Charles on track in Abu Dhabi. Arthur will take Lewis Hamilton's seat for Friday's opening practice at Yas Marina, a repeat of the milestone moment the Leclerc brothers shared at the same event last year.
Why it matters:
- This move fulfills Formula 1's mandatory requirement for teams to run a rookie in at least two FP1 sessions per season, providing crucial track experience for young talent.
- It offers Arthur Leclerc, a key simulator driver for Ferrari, valuable real-world data to refine his contributions back in Maranello, enhancing the team's development pipeline.
- For fans, it's a rare and exciting opportunity to see the Leclerc brothers share the track in an official F1 session, adding a unique narrative to the season finale.
The details:
- Rookie Compliance: Lewis Hamilton's absence is part of Ferrari's plan to meet F1's rookie FP1 mandate, with Abu Dhabi being the final chance to do so.
- Driver Lineup: Arthur Leclerc will drive the SF-25 during FP1, while Hamilton will return for FP2, which is considered more representative for race conditions due to its timing under floodlights.
- Arthur's Perspective: Arthur Leclerc expressed his excitement, stating, "It's very exciting to be in a car on the other side of the garage from him [Charles]. From a technical point of view, driving the car on track is always useful for us drivers who mainly support the team with our work in the simulator back in Maranello. It helps us to give better feedback to the engineers."
- Simulator Integration: Arthur's track time at Yas Marina, a data-rich circuit, is vital for him to gather real-world input, directly benefiting his simulator development work for Ferrari.
- Post-Season Test: Dino Beganovic is confirmed to drive the SF-25 in its current configuration during next week's post-season test.
What's next:
This weekend in Abu Dhabi marks the final opportunity for Lewis Hamilton to secure his first Grand Prix podium as a Ferrari driver, having achieved a Sprint win in China but no Sunday top-three finishes. The focus will then shift to the post-season test, where new talent like Beganovic will gain valuable experience, setting the stage for Ferrari's preparations for the upcoming 2025 season.