Luke browning

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: Charles Leclerc ended the 2024 F1 season on a high note, leading the post-season test at the Yas Marina Circuit for Ferrari. Leclerc set the fastest lap, edging out former teammate Carlos Sainz, who impressed in his Williams debut, and Mercedes’ George Russell, who claimed third.

The nine-hour test featured both rookies and regular drivers, with teams experimenting with different setups and testing Pirelli’s homologated 2025 tyres. While teams like Ferrari and Mercedes worked to refine their packages, the focus was also on significant driver transitions.

Carlos Sainz, in his first outing with Williams, made an early impact by topping the morning session. Building on a brief filming run the day before, Sainz adjusted quickly to his new surroundings, finishing just a tenth behind Leclerc by the end of the day.