Leclerc Praises Brother’s Performance as Friday’s FP1 Highlight
Charles Leclerc praised his younger brother, Arthur, following an impressive showing during Free Practice 1 at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The moment marked a highlight for both brothers, especially for Charles, who regarded it as the “only positive” takeaway from a challenging session for the Scuderia Ferrari team.
Leclerc Brothers Shine at Yas Marina Circuit
In a unique sibling moment, both Charles and Arthur Leclerc participated in the opening practice session at the Yas Marina Circuit, reaffirming their shared dream of racing in Formula 1. This year, 25-year-old Arthur completed his fifth mandated rookie outing, logging 27 laps and finishing in 16th position on the timesheets.
A Special Experience for Charles
Charles, who finished third in Free Practice 1 before subsequently placing eighth in Free Practice 2, expressed deep pride in sharing the track with his younger brother. “It’s always a very special emotion to see my brother in a Formula 1 seat,” he said. He reminisced about their childhood dreams of racing together, adding, “It’s a very special moment.”
Challenges for Ferrari
Despite the familial joy, Charles acknowledged that Ferrari’s performance has been subpar. He stated, “Unfortunately, it was the only positive of today because the rest has been a struggle.” Ferrari has struggled with race pace over the last few events, and Charles admitted, “We are trying everything, but something is missing.” He expressed hope that solutions could be found before Qualifying.
Hamilton Comments on Arthur’s Performance
Lewis Hamilton also recognized the significance of Arthur’s performance, stating, “Arthur did a good job this morning.” Hamilton, who encountered difficulties in his own session, finished 13th in Free Practice 2. He emphasized the need for improvement and hoped for better conditions moving forward in the weekend.
- Event: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, 2025
- Participants: Charles and Arthur Leclerc
- Arthur’s Position: 16th in FP1
- Charles’s Position: 3rd in FP1, 8th in FP2
- Comments from Charles: “It’s a very special moment.” “Something is missing for performance.”
- Hamilton’s Position: 13th in FP2
As the weekend progresses, both brothers and their respective teams will work to tackle the challenges ahead, aiming for a strong finish to the season. The family bond between the Leclercs added a unique flair to an otherwise difficult day for Ferrari.