AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語
  • STANDINGS
No Result
View All Result
AutoGear

Abu Dhabi GP: Charles Leclerc Battles Ferrari Battery Woes to Top FP1, McLaren Looms Large in Constructor Showdown

Carl Harrison by Carl Harrison
January 9, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
0
Abu Dhabi GP: Charles Leclerc Battles Ferrari Battery Woes to Top FP1, McLaren Looms Large in Constructor Showdown

Formula One F1 - Abu Dhabi Grand Prix - Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates - December 6, 2024 Ferrari's Charles Leclerc during practice REUTERS/Amr Alfiky

Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc proved his resilience in the opening practice session of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend, overcoming early technical challenges to set the fastest lap in FP1. Clocking a 1:24.321, Leclerc edged out Lando Norris by two-tenths of a second, keeping Ferrari’s slim hopes alive in their pursuit of McLaren for the Constructors’ Championship.


Ferrari’s Early Scare: Leclerc’s Battery Drama

Leclerc’s session began on a frustrating note as a battery issue left his Ferrari SF-24 stranded in the garage for the first half of FP1. With Ferrari trailing McLaren by 21 points in the constructors’ standings, the scare threatened to derail their campaign before it even began. However, Leclerc’s eventual return to the track was nothing short of spectacular, as he put Ferrari back on top.


Brothers in Arms: Leclercs Make History

The session carried special significance for the Leclerc family, as Arthur Leclerc made his debut appearance in FP1 for Ferrari. This marked the first time in Formula 1 history that two brothers competed in an official session for the same team. Arthur, filling in as part of Ferrari’s rookie mandate, gained valuable track time while his elder brother stole the spotlight with the fastest lap.


McLaren vs. Ferrari: A Battle Intensifies

McLaren’s Lando Norris, buoyed by his team’s momentum, stayed hot on Leclerc’s heels, underlining the fierce battle set to unfold over the weekend. Ferrari must deliver flawless performances to overturn the 21-point deficit, and Leclerc’s pace offers a glimmer of hope.


FP1 Highlights: Rookie and Veteran Mix

The session featured notable debuts, including Jack Doohan in Alpine and Isack Hadjar in Red Bull. While Hadjar faced early hiccups with wheel clearance and a spin, Doohan impressed with competitive lap times and composure, locking up briefly but managing to run in the top 10 for much of the session.


Key Moments and Standings

  • George Russell led the early pace for Mercedes, with teammate Lewis Hamilton joining him in the top two positions before Leclerc’s late charge.
  • Hamilton and Norris had a close encounter on track, prompting a post-session review for potential impeding.
  • Rookie Arthur Leclerc completed his first FP1 outing with steady laps, gaining invaluable experience under the Abu Dhabi lights.

What’s Next?

As Ferrari looks to capitalize on Leclerc’s blistering pace, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is shaping up to be a nail-biter for the constructors’ title. Meanwhile, the debutants and veterans alike are poised to deliver fireworks under the iconic Yas Marina twilight.

Stay tuned as FP2 approaches, with teams eager to gather crucial data for qualifying and the season’s dramatic finale.

Share212Tweet133Send

Related Posts

Cadillac dominates Daytona IMSA testing: fierce battles heat up ahead of Rolex 24 showdown
Motorsports

Cadillac dominates Daytona IMSA testing: fierce battles heat up ahead of Rolex 24 showdown

Cadillac Claims the Spotlight in High-Stakes IMSA Testing at Daytona! The roar of engines filled the air at Daytona International...

by Publisher
January 18, 2026
McLaren ignites 2026 F1 revolution: first fire-up of MCL40 sends shockwaves through paddock
Motorsports

McLaren ignites 2026 F1 revolution: first fire-up of MCL40 sends shockwaves through paddock

McLaren Ignites Hopes for 2026 F1 Season with Thrilling Fire-Up of New MCL40 In a breathtaking reveal, McLaren has officially...

by Redação
January 17, 2026
Lewis Hamilton beams with excitement as Ferrari roars to life with groundbreaking SF-26 engine
Motorsports

Lewis Hamilton beams with excitement as Ferrari roars to life with groundbreaking SF-26 engine

Lewis Hamilton Grins Ear to Ear as Ferrari Unveils the Roaring SF-26: A New Era Begins! In a thrilling spectacle...

by Redação
January 17, 2026
Isack Hadjar’s phenomenal rise at Red Bull: Alan Permane reveals game-changing attributes
Motorsports

Isack Hadjar’s phenomenal rise at Red Bull: Alan Permane reveals game-changing attributes

Getty Images

by Carl Harrison
January 17, 2026

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recent News

Cadillac dominates Daytona IMSA testing: fierce battles heat up ahead of Rolex 24 showdown

Cadillac dominates Daytona IMSA testing: fierce battles heat up ahead of Rolex 24 showdown

January 18, 2026
McLaren ignites 2026 F1 revolution: first fire-up of MCL40 sends shockwaves through paddock

McLaren ignites 2026 F1 revolution: first fire-up of MCL40 sends shockwaves through paddock

January 17, 2026
Lewis Hamilton beams with excitement as Ferrari roars to life with groundbreaking SF-26 engine

Lewis Hamilton beams with excitement as Ferrari roars to life with groundbreaking SF-26 engine

January 17, 2026
Isack Hadjar’s phenomenal rise at Red Bull: Alan Permane reveals game-changing attributes

Isack Hadjar’s phenomenal rise at Red Bull: Alan Permane reveals game-changing attributes

January 17, 2026

Newsletter

  • PRIVACY POLICY
  • TECHNICAL INFORMATION
  • EDITORIAL STATUS
  • TERMS AND CONDITIONS

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.

MSports Play Icon
MSports Play
The New streaming service
Download
×
No Result
View All Result
  • Latest News
  • AutoGear TV
  • Sustainable Mobility
  • Motorsports
    • Circuits
    • Rally
    • Rally raid
    • WEC
  • English
    • Português
    • Italiano
    • Français
    • Español
    • English
    • Deutsch
    • 日本語

© 2023 AutoGear - Todos os direitos reservados AutoGear.