Ferrari have announced that Arthur Leclerc will replace Carlos Sainz in the first practice session at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, meaning that Charles and Arthur Leclerc will become the first brothers to drive an F1 session as team-mates for Ferrari.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will have special significance for Carlos Sainz, for whom this will be his last race with the team before joining Williams, starting the next chapter by driving for his new team on Tuesday after the Grand Prix in the end-of-season test.
The Spaniard will doubtless be keen to end his four seasons in fine style, having taking four wins, six pole positions and 24 podium finishes with the Scuderia.
The Madrid-born driver will miss the opening practice as per the sporting regulations that state that every driver has hand over their car to a rookie driver – a racer who has competed less than three grand prix – during the season.
Sainz will be replaced by his team-mate Charles Leclerc’s 24-year-old brother Arthur, who will drive the Spaniard’s car in the first free practice session. It will be the first time in Formula 1 history that two brothers will be on track at the same time, driving for the same team.
In addition, Arthur Leclerc will also drive in the post-season test on Tuesday, sharing one car with Antonio Fuoco, while his brother Charles Leclerc will drive the second car.