The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix of 2024 marked a historic and emotional chapter in Formula 1 as Arthur Leclerc joined his elder brother Charles Leclerc on the Yas Marina Circuit, representing Ferrari. This unique event saw two siblings driving for the same team, a feat not seen since Emerson and Wilson Fittipaldi raced for Copersucar in 1975.
Arthur, Ferrari’s development driver, stepped into Carlos Sainz’s SF-24 for Free Practice 1, fulfilling the FIA’s mandate requiring young drivers to participate in at least one session per season. The 24-year-old, making his first official appearance on an F1 track, demonstrated his potential in what was not just a regulatory formality but a momentous occasion for motorsport.
A Record-Breaking Drive in Abu Dhabi
The weekend’s spotlight, however, didn’t linger on nostalgia for long. The final race of the season turned into a dramatic showdown for the Constructors’ Championship between McLaren and Ferrari. McLaren entered the race with a 21-point lead over Ferrari. While Charles Leclerc faced significant hurdles—including a penalty and a dismal qualifying session that saw him start from the back of the grid—he produced one of the most remarkable drives of his career to claim third place on the podium.
Charles’s tenacity electrified the Yas Marina Circuit as he carved through the field with precision and determination. Despite his heroic efforts, it wasn’t quite enough to tilt the scales in Ferrari’s favor. Lando Norris, driving his McLaren, clinched a victory that sealed the Constructors’ Championship for his team, ending a fierce rivalry that had defined much of the season.
The Rising Stars of Ferrari
While Charles’s brilliant drive captivated fans, Arthur’s debut added a layer of significance to Ferrari’s weekend. The Monegasque brothers became the first siblings to drive for the same team on an F1 weekend since the Fittipaldis, and the first brothers to share the track in any capacity since Michael and Ralf Schumacher in 2006. Arthur also took part in the post-season tests on Tuesday, signaling Ferrari’s investment in his future.
Arthur was not the only Ferrari protégé to leave his mark this season. Earlier in Mexico, Oliver Bearman, another standout from the Ferrari Driver Academy, had taken Charles Leclerc’s seat for a practice session. Bearman, set to debut as a full-time Haas driver in 2025, has been lauded for his maturity and adaptability. His progression, along with Arthur’s debut, highlights Ferrari’s focus on nurturing young talent, suggesting a promising future for the Scuderia as they prepare for the challenges ahead.
A Season Finale to Remember
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix of 2024 will be remembered as a weekend of historic milestones, extraordinary performances, and bittersweet finales. For the Leclerc brothers and Ferrari, it was a moment of pride and reflection, setting the stage for a promising future.
