In an unprecedented event, Charles and Arthur Leclerc are ready to leave their mark on the history of the F1This weekend, during free practice for the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the Monegasque brothers will represent the team together Scuderia Ferrari, marking the first time in the 75 years of this competition that two brothers have shared a team on the track.
El youngest of the Leclercs, Arthur, will take the wheel in place of the Spanish driver Carlos Sainz during the first free practice session, thus complying with a regulation of the FIA which requires teams to include a rookie driver in two official sessions per season. This historic moment will also be significant for Ferrari, which is looking to end the season strongly in the face of an intense fight for the constructors' championship against McLaren.
The path of Arthur Leclerc
Arthur, 24, has a promising career that includes victories in F4 both in France and Germany, in addition to a title in the Asian Regional Formula Championship. Despite showing flashes of talent in his first few seasons, his final year in F2 He was not as successful, finishing fifteenth in the overall standings. However, his role as a development driver for Ferrari has allowed him to remain linked to the team, standing out in endurance races such as the 4 Hours of Imola as Italian GT Championship.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be his official debut in a Formula 1 weekend, where he will share the stage with his older brother, Charles, who is already a consolidated figure within Ferrari. The duo will also have the opportunity to work together during the postseason test, where Arthur will share a garage with the experienced driver Antonio Fuoco, winner of the 24 Hours of Le Mans.
A historic milestone in F1
Until now, some brothers have competed at the same time in Formula 1, such as the legendary Michael and Ralf Schumacher, but they had never raced for the same team. Ferrari, which in the past also had the Mexicans Pedro and Ricardo Rodriguez (albeit at different times), now achieves another historic moment by lining up the Leclercs together for a race weekend.
This milestone underlines the commitment of the Team to promote new talents, especially in a decisive context for the team. Just 21 points behind McLaren In the fight for the constructors' title, Ferrari needs an impeccable performance to close the season with a championship, something they have not achieved since 2008.
An emotional farewell for Carlos Sainz
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix also marks the end of an important chapter for Carlos Sainz, who is contesting his last race wearing Ferrari colours before joining Williams next season. During his time with the Scuderia, Sainz has contributed significantly with wins, pole positions and podiums, consolidating himself as one of the team's most consistent drivers in recent years.
Instead, Ferrari is preparing to welcome the seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who will join the team from January. In the meantime, Sainz will continue working to close his time with Ferrari in the best possible way, supporting the team's efforts in practice and the Grand Prix.
A moment to remember
Involvement Arthur Leclerc in Abu Dhabi embodies the essence of the F1: a mix of tradition and evolution. For Ferrari, it is a golden opportunity to demonstrate its ability to adapt and lead both on the track and in the development of young talents. For the Leclerc brothers, it is a dream come true and a moment that will surely remain etched in the memories of motorsport fans.
Against the backdrop of the iconic track Yas MarinaThis weekend will not only mark the culmination of an intense season, but also a special chapter in the rich history of Ferrari and Formula 1. Fans are eagerly awaiting to see how the Monegasque brothers support each other to write an exciting new chapter in motorsport history.