Leclerc’s brother handed surprise F1 debut in Abu Dhabi

Ferrari has announced Arthur Leclerc, the brother of full-time driver Charles, will make his F1 weekend debut in Abu Dhabi.

Arthur will replace Carlos Sainz for the opening practice session of the event this Friday.

It marks the first time in F1 history that two brothers will take part in an official weekend session as team-mates.

Arthur spent the 2024 campaign racing in the LMP2 category of the European Le Mans Series, taking a win at Imola.

Last year, the 24-year-old raced in the Formula 2 championship and ended the season in 15th place with one podium finish to his name.

“For the first time in the hybrid era, we are in the running for the championship title at the final round.,” said Ferrari team principal Frederic Vasseur. 

“That in itself is a great achievement.”

The Leclerc brothers will also take part in the post-season test next Tuesday, with Arthur sharing the car allocated to rookies with Antonio Fuoco.

Ferrari enters the Abu Dhabi round looking to claim its first F1 title in 16 years as it sits narrowly behind McLaren in the constructors’ standings.