Ferrari has announced that driver Lewis Hamilton will be replaced by Arthur Leclerc for the first practice session ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this weekend. This decision comes as the Formula 1 drivers’ championship reaches its conclusion at the Yas Marina Circuit, but neither Hamilton nor Ferrari is in contention for the title after a challenging season.
Arthur Leclerc, the younger brother of Ferrari’s main driver Charles Leclerc, previously partnered with him during the first practice session at last year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. At 25 years old, he has transitioned from Ferrari’s driver academy to a role as a development driver for the team, while also competing in the GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup with AF Corse.
The replacement is driven by a requirement for teams to field a rookie driver in one practice session during the season. Following this first session, Hamilton will return to his SF-25 for the second practice, which is considered the most representative session of the weekend. Despite his experience and accolades, Hamilton’s season has been disappointing; he has achieved 18 top-10 finishes but has not stood on the podium.
The criticism surrounding Hamilton’s performance has intensified, particularly after his struggles at the recent Qatar Grand Prix. Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher suggested that Hamilton may need to consider retiring if he is unable to improve his performance. In an interview with Sky Deutschland, Schumacher remarked, “Lewis Hamilton is, of course, a seven-time world champion, but that doesn’t matter if the performance isn’t right.” He emphasized the importance of recognizing when it may be time for a new driver to take the spotlight.
Despite the scrutiny, Hamilton remains determined to continue racing. Speaking recently, he expressed excitement for the next generation of cars, stating, “This has been the worst-designed one that I remember in my phase.” He noted that while he acknowledges the challenges, he is eager to see improvements in future vehicles.
Hamilton’s commitment to the sport remains unwavering, even as he faces mounting pressure and criticism. As the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix approaches, all eyes will be on the Yas Marina Circuit to see how both Leclerc and Hamilton perform in their respective roles. The race is poised to be a significant moment in the 2025 season, marking the conclusion of a tumultuous year for both the driver and the team.
