Arthur Leclerc set to replace Sainz to drive alongside his brother Charles in Abu Dhabi

Ferrari have announced that Arthur Leclerc will replace Carlos Sainz in the first practice session at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, meaning that Charles and Arthur Leclerc will become the first brothers to drive an F1 session as team-mates for Ferrari.

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will have special significance for Carlos Sainz, for whom this will be his last race with the team before joining Williams, starting the next chapter by driving for his new team on Tuesday after the Grand Prix in the end-of-season test.

The Spaniard will doubtless be keen to end his four seasons in fine style, having taking four wins, six pole positions and 24 podium finishes with the Scuderia.

The Madrid-born driver will miss the opening practice as per the sporting regulations that state that every driver has hand over their car to a rookie driver – a racer who has competed less than three grand prix – during the season.

Sainz will be replaced by his team-mate Charles Leclerc’s 24-year-old brother Arthur, who will drive the Spaniard’s car in the first free practice session. It will be the first time in Formula 1 history that two brothers will be on track at the same time, driving for the same team.

In addition, Arthur Leclerc will also drive in the post-season test on Tuesday, sharing one car with Antonio Fuoco, while his brother Charles Leclerc will drive the second car.

Although McLaren displayed a stronger performance than Ferrari at last weekend’s Qatar Grand Prix, the Scuderia managed to reduce the gap to 21 points in the Constructors’ Championship. Speaking of their chances, Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur reckons that the Italian team has only mathematical chances as it would be extremely tough to turn the situation around with only 44 points available for any teams.

“For the first time in the hybrid era, we are in the running for the championship title at the final round. That in itself is a great achievement, but this weekend we will be trying to take that important final step.

“Let’s be honest, it is a mathematical possibility, but in reality it will be very difficult to achieve, because even if we finish first and second, McLaren with its 21 point lead going into this race can afford to finish third and fourth, or even worse and still have the edge.

“But Ferrari has always liked a challenge! If we can once again produce a perfect weekend from start to finish, we will at least be in with a chance and be able to leave Abu Dhabi saying we gave it our best shot.

“Our preparation for this event has been thorough, we know that qualifying will play a very important role, even if our car tends to perform better in the race. Charles, Carlos and the entire team are all set to fight tooth and nail to bring home the title.