Following the first free practice in Abu Dhabi, several drivers, including Charles Leclerc, have received grid penalties. The Monegasque will have to drop ten places after Saturday’s qualification. This is bad news for the Ferrari driver, who is only eight points away from second place in the drivers’ championship. Moreover, Ferrari still has a chance at the constructors’ title.
Charles Leclerc clocked the fastest time during the first practice session at the Yas Marina Circuit. However, it took a while before he finally hit the track, as Ferrari first had to fix a technical problem. The Scuderia eventually decided to replace the battery of Charles’ car. With half an hour left on the clock, the Monegasque finally went out. Not much later, he drove the fastest time in his SF-24, with rival Lando Norris following in second place.
Grid Penalties in Abu Dhabi
The race management, however, could not leave the battery change unpunished. During the upcoming Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi, Leclerc will receive a ten-place grid penalty. This is a significant setback for Ferrari, which is battling with McLaren for the constructors’ title on Sunday. In addition, Leclerc himself is also involved in a fierce battle. He has closed the gap to rival Lando Norris to just eight points and still has a chance at second place in the drivers’ championship.
Both Williams drivers have also received a grid penalty. Both Alex Albon and Franco Colapinto will be moved back five places during the final race of the season. The British team has replaced various parts in the engines. It has been a long season for Williams, which has repeatedly dealt with crashes and retirements in recent weeks. The sky-high bills that come with these incidents are already said to be affecting the development of the car for 2025.
