Leclerc Takes Top Spot Despite Major Setback in Abu Dhabi Practice
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc topped the timesheets in the first practice session for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, but his joy was short-lived as a technical setback will cost him dearly in qualifying. A battery issue early in the session required a full replacement, incurring a ten-place grid penalty for the Monaco driver, according to the FIA.
Leclerc Brothers Share Special Moment Despite Penalty
The practice session held a special significance for the Leclerc family as Charles and his younger brother, Arthur, were both on track simultaneously. Arthur, fulfilling a lifelong dream, was able to share the experience with his brother, who acknowledged the sacrifice Arthur made earlier in his career to support Charles’ pursuit of Formula 1. Achieving a respectable 18th place, despite a significant experience gap, Arthur showed promise in his first taste of the iconic Abu Dhabi circuit.
Norris Shines as McLaren Remain Confident
Behind Leclerc, Lando Norris set the second-fastest time, trailing the Ferrari by just two tenths of a second. The McLaren driver gave a solid performance, reflecting the team’s comfortable lead in the constructors’ championship. With Leclerc’s penalty presenting a significant opportunity, McLaren seems well-positioned for a strong weekend.
Hamilton and Russell Struggle with Brakes
Mercedes struggled to match the pace of the frontrunners, with Lewis Hamilton and George Russell finishing fifth and sixth, respectively. Russell in particular expressed frustration during the session, highlighting problems with his brakes that hampered his performance.
Alpine Aims to Maintain Sixth in Constructors’ Standings
Alpine driver Pierre Gasly secured an encouraging fifth place, signaling the team’s intent to maintain their sixth-place standing in the constructors’ championship. Closely trailing Gasly were Nico Hülkenberg, Franco Colapinto, and Kevin Magnussen. The Haas duo presented a direct threat to Alpine’s position.
Drugovich Leads Youngsters, Alonso Frustrated
Felipe Drugovich emerged as the fastest driver among the younger generation, even surpassing his experienced teammate Fernando Alonso. Achieving eighth place overall, the young Aston Martin driver demonstrated his potential. Alonso, however, was left far from satisfied, voicing strong criticism of his car’s performance and the team’s efficiency during the session.
Despite a notable absence from the Abu Dhabi track in this first practice session, Max Verstappen, Oscar Piastri, and Carlos Sainz will undoubtedly be looking to set the bar higher as the weekend progresses. The drama continues with Alex Albon and Franco Colapinto receiving five-place grid penalties for exceeding transmission component allocations.
How did Arthur Leclerc perform in his first Formula 1 practice session?
## Interview with Formula 1 Analyst, Sarah Jenkins
**Interviewer:** Sarah, welcome to the show. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc topped the Abu Dhabi practice session, but a technical hiccup has thrown a wrench in his weekend. Tell us what happened.
**Sarah:** Absolutely. Leclerc ended the first practice session on top, which is promising for Ferrari. However, a battery issue early on forced them to do a complete replacement. That unfortunately incurs a ten-place grid penalty for Charles going into qualifying, a significant blow for his chances in the race [[1](https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/articles/c89xvzllvlvo)].
**Interviewer:** That’s a massive setback. Does this shift the momentum in the Constructors’ Championship battle between Ferrari and McLaren?
**Sarah:** It certainly adds more pressure on Ferrari. This penalty for Leclerc could prove crucial in their fight against McLaren for that Constructors’ title. McLaren driver Lando Norris, who finished second fastest in practice, will be looking to capitalize on Leclerc’s penalty.
**Interviewer:** We also saw a heartwarming moment with the Leclerc brothers both driving in Abu Dhabi. What can you tell us about that?
**Sarah:** Yes, it was truly special. Charles shared the track with his younger brother, Arthur, who was competing in his first Formula 1 practice session. Arthur showed real promise finishing in a respectable 18th place considering the experience gap. You could really see the pride and joy Charles had in sharing that moment with his brother [[1](https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/articles/c89xvzllvlvo)].
**Interviewer:** Well, it certainly is shaping up to be an exciting weekend in Abu Dhabi. Thanks for the insights, Sarah.
**Sarah:** My pleasure!
