For the first free practice of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Charles Leclerc will be joined by his brother Arthur. Teammate Carlos Sainz is handing over his Ferrari for this opening session to the Scuderia’s test driver. This means that two brothers will be in action for the same team at the Yas Marina Circuit – a first in Formula 1. Charles Leclerc is looking forward to a ‘special’ day.
“I just want him (Arthur Leclerc) to have a good session,” Charles Leclerc responded to Formula1.com. “We’ve discussed a few things, but in the end, he’s just my brother. I know I don’t need to explain anything to him; he’s going to do great.” Arthur Leclerc has been part of the Ferrari ranks for some time. In 2023, he left the Italians’ training team and took on the role of test driver. He combined this role with various stints in the European Le Mans Series and the Italian GT Championship.
Arthur Leclerc has never driven a free practice in the premier class before, but he does have experience with Formula 1 cars. He has tested the F1-75 (the 2022 Ferrari car) multiple times and has spent countless hours in the simulator. “He’s been exceptionally good on the simulator this year,” his brother said. “It will be a good exercise to compare those virtual laps with the real circuit. This is going to be a very special moment for him. I’m really very happy.
For Hervé
This marks the first time in history that brothers have participated as teammates in a Formula 1 session. “It’s very special,” says Charles Leclerc. “Especially because I know how many sacrifices our parents made so that we could both pursue our dream. Arthur couldn’t race for three or four years because my father couldn’t cover the costs anymore. I was the only one in the family who continued racing. My younger brother was able to pick it up again when I was financially supported by my manager Nicolas Todt.”
“It really hurt my father at the time that he couldn’t help Arthur,” Leclerc continues. “The idea that we will soon be driving a free practice session together is very special – not just for us, but for the whole family. Knowing that he will be driving a free practice session with me is very special – for both of us, but I think also for the whole family.” Hervé Leclerc, the father of Charles and Arthur, passed away in 2017.
