Leclerc siblings make history at Abu Dhabi GP practice with Ferrari
Formula 1 is set to witness a memorable family moment as siblings Charles and Arthur Leclerc gear up to represent Ferrari as teammates during Friday's practice session at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The racing brothers will share the track for the iconic team, marking a historic first in the sport.
Ferrari has already heralded the significance of this event, taking to their social media on Wednesday with a post that captured the Leclerc brothers clad in their matching Ferrari overalls, dubbing them "history makers."
24-year-old Arthur Leclerc, the younger of the two, secures his spot in the spotlight by stepping in to replace the outgoing Carlos Sainz. This prime opportunity allows Arthur to complete Ferrari’s obligation to field a young driver, while also giving him a chance to showcase his skills on the grand stage.
Despite the buzz surrounding young British talent Oliver Bearman, who serves as the team's reserve, his recent race involvements with both Ferrari and Haas render him ineligible for this practice outing. Bearman had previously taken over from Charles Leclerc in Mexico, before stepping in for an ailing Kevin Magnussen at Haas during the Brazilian Grand Prix.
Arthur, who competed in the F2 championship last season and continues his duties as a Ferrari development driver, has already contributed significantly to the team's efforts behind the scenes, lending his skills to simulator work back at their base in Maranello. Aside from his commitments in F2, Arthur has also been active in the Italian GT championship, showcasing his versatility as a driver.
Although there have been instances of brothers racing in Formula 1, such as the renowned Michael and Ralf Schumacher, the Leclercs will be the first to share a session as teammates. The closest historical parallel dates back to the Rodriguez siblings from Mexico, Pedro and Ricardo, who both raced for Ferrari but never concurrently.
As the Leclercs prepare to make their mark on the tracks of Yas Marina, their combined efforts hold more than familial significance; Ferrari is embroiled in a heated battle with leading team McLaren for the constructors' championship. With a mere 21-point gap separating the two teams, every lap counts.
The anticipation further escalates with the announcement that Charles' current teammate, Carlos Sainz, will be relinquishing his Ferrari seat at the end of Sunday’s race, paving the way for seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton to join the storied team. The upcoming sessions in Abu Dhabi are set to unfold a remarkable chapter as the Leclerc brothers don their scarlet suits and race towards history.
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