The final Friday of the 2024 Formula 1 season delivered dramatic twists as Ferrari faced a setback, boosting McLaren’s chances of clinching the Constructors’ Championship. With six rookies participating in FP1, the day was filled with excitement, culminating in Charles Leclerc’s performance and an unexpected penalty.
FP1: Rookies Shine While Leclerc Leads the Time Sheets
The first practice session of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix saw Charles Leclerc of Ferrari clocking the fastest lap at 1:24.321, edging out McLaren’s Lando Norris by 0.221 seconds. However, Leclerc’s joy was short-lived as news broke of a 10-place grid penalty for Sunday’s race. The penalty stems from an energy store (ES) replacement after mechanical issues early in the session.
The FP1 lineup featured six rookies, including Ryo Hirakawa (McLaren), Arthur Leclerc (Ferrari), and Isack Hadjar (Red Bull). Notable moments included Hadjar spinning at Turn 6 in his Red Bull, reflecting the challenges of a high-pressure debut. The presence of both Leclerc brothers marked a historic moment, though Charles faced difficulties after Ferrari dismantled his car to resolve battery issues.
Veteran Fernando Alonso led the pack out of the pit lane early on. Lewis Hamilton initially topped the time sheets with a 1:25.566 before Norris and Leclerc overtook him. Meanwhile, George Russell secured fourth, followed by Pierre Gasly, continuing his strong form for Alpine.
Key FP1 Highlights:
- Top 5 Drivers: Leclerc (1st), Norris (2nd), Hamilton (3rd), Russell (4th), Gasly (5th).
- Rookies showcased their potential, with Felipe Drugovich (Aston Martin) and Luke Browning (Williams) making an impression.
- Hadjar and Hirakawa placed 15th and 14th, respectively, while Arthur Leclerc finished 18th in his Ferrari debut.
FP2: McLaren Dominates, Hulkenberg Surprises
In the second session, McLaren asserted their dominance under the Yas Marina sunset. Lando Norris posted the fastest lap of 1:23.517, followed by teammate Oscar Piastri, solidifying McLaren’s claim as the team to beat. Nico Hulkenberg of Haas shocked many with a stellar performance, finishing third.
Returning drivers, including Carlos Sainz, Max Verstappen, and Alex Albon, joined the fray after sitting out FP1. McLaren wasted no time establishing a lead, with Norris clocking the first competitive lap on medium tires. As the track cooled, drivers switched to soft tires for qualifying simulations.
Despite their efforts, Ferrari struggled to close the gap to McLaren, with Sainz placing fourth and Leclerc sixth. The session highlighted Ferrari’s uphill battle, compounded by Leclerc’s grid penalty.
Key FP2 Highlights:
- Top 5 Drivers: Norris (1st), Piastri (2nd), Hulkenberg (3rd), Sainz (4th), Hamilton (5th).
- McLaren’s strategic runs indicate a strong weekend ahead, aiming to secure the championship.
- Valtteri Bottas (Alfa Romeo) impressed with a P7 finish, while Verstappen languished in 17th due to front axle issues.
Ferrari’s Penalty Boosts McLaren’s Championship Bid
Leclerc’s 10-place grid penalty has reshaped the dynamics of the Abu Dhabi GP. With McLaren leading the time sheets and Ferrari struggling to keep pace, the championship pendulum swings heavily in McLaren’s favor. The penalty not only impacts Leclerc but also puts additional pressure on Carlos Sainz to deliver results.
Meanwhile, the race weekend offers McLaren an opportunity to seal a historic championship, with Norris and Piastri showcasing exceptional form. Ferrari must now rely on strategy and race-day execution to salvage their campaign.
Detailed Abu Dhabi GP FP1 & FP2 Results:
FP1:
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 1:24.321
- Lando Norris (McLaren) – +0.221
- Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) – +0.245
- George Russell (Mercedes) – +0.298
- Pierre Gasly (Alpine) – +0.367
FP2:
- Lando Norris (McLaren) – 1:23.517
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – +0.183
- Nico Hulkenberg (Haas) – +0.455
- Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) – +0.582
- Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) – +0.641
What’s Next?
With one practice session and qualifying left, all eyes are on McLaren to maintain their advantage. Can Ferrari recover from their penalty-induced setback, or will McLaren secure their championship in style? The stakes couldn’t be higher as the Formula 1 season finale promises high drama and intense competition.
Stay tuned for more updates from Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2024 as we head toward an electrifying conclusion to the season!
