F1 FP1 | 2024 Abu Dhabi GP: The final race weekend of the 2024 F1 season kicked off under the Abu Dhabi sun with a busy and eventful FP1 session. Charles Leclerc led the timesheets, setting the fastest lap of 1:24.321, just 0.221 seconds ahead of Lando Norris, with Lewis Hamilton securing third in what will be his last weekend as a Mercedes driver.
However, it wasn’t all smooth sailing for the Ferrari driver, as technical issues early in the session kept him in the garage for an extended period. Despite this, Leclerc managed to bounce back to top the session, though his car required a new Energy Store, resulting in a grid penalty for Sunday’s race.
FP1 CLASSIFICATION
— Formula 1 (@F1) December 6, 2024
All the details from the opening session on track 👇#F1 #AbuDhabiGP pic.twitter.com/bC2VAyjAnV
Rookies Take to the Track
Six rookies had the opportunity to shine during this session, as teams rotated their regular drivers to meet the rookie participation requirements. Among the fresh faces were Ryo Hirakawa (McLaren), Arthur Leclerc (Ferrari), Isack Hadjar (Red Bull), Felipe Drugovich (Aston Martin), Ayumu Iwasa (Racing Bulls), and Luke Browning (Williams).
Arthur Leclerc made history by driving alongside his brother Charles for Ferrari, marking the first time siblings have participated as teammates in F1. Despite some initial challenges, including a delayed start for Charles due to a suspected battery issue, the brothers shared a memorable moment on track.
Family formation 😍
— Formula 1 (@F1) December 6, 2024
Charles and Arthur return to the pits after making history in FP1 #F1 #AbuDhabiGP @ScuderiaFerrari pic.twitter.com/Ipxjk3FoDz
Meanwhile, Hadjar’s session wasn’t without drama, as he spun at Turn 6 early on due to wheel clearance issues and later expressed frustration over being impeded by rookie Luke Browning. The incident earned Browning a black-and-white flag.
Key Performances and Standout Moments
Fernando Alonso was the first driver to hit the track, starting his weekend strong as he prepares for a competitive finale with Aston Martin. Lando Norris briefly topped the timesheets mid-session with a 1:24.542, continuing McLaren’s push to clinch their first Constructors’ title since 1998.
Charles Leclerc faced early challenges, spending a significant portion of FP1 in the garage due to car repairs. Despite the setback, he bounced back in the final stages.
Pierre Gasly impressed with a P5 finish for Alpine, keeping his recent momentum alive, while Nico Hulkenberg secured P6 in the Haas. Franco Colapinto and Felipe Drugovich delivered noteworthy performances, placing P7 and P9, respectively.
Further down the grid, Jack Doohan made his debut for Alpine, stepping in for Esteban Ocon. The Australian finished P19 as he prepares for his first full season in 2025.
The Final Standings
Despite Leclerc’s challenges, he set the fastest lap at the F1 FP1 2024 Abu Dhabi GP followed by Lando Norris and Lewis Hamilton, with George Russell in P4. Pierre Gasly led the midfield in P5, followed by Hulkenberg, Colapinto, Kevin Magnussen, Drugovich, and Sergio Pérez completing the top 10.
As the drivers and teams prepare for FP2, all eyes are on the championship battles and the farewells taking place in this season-ending weekend. With data to analyze and strategies to refine, the stage is set for an exciting conclusion to the 2024 season.
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