Charles Leclerc in Ferrari is ahead of everyone in first Abu Dhabi free practice, but will be penalized

Charles Leclerc ahead of everyone but will be penalized

È it was Charles Leclerc in the Ferrari who was the fastest in the first free practice session of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the Yas Marina circuit.

The Monegasque of the Maranello manufacturer lapped in 1’24”321 and was 221 thousandths ahead of the McLaren of Lando Norris. Third at 485 thousandths was the Mercedes of Lewis Hamilton followed by teammate George Russell at 844 thousandths.

The’other Ferrari driven by young Arthur Leclerc did not è go beyond the 18th time with a gap of 1''858 from big brother Charles. In addition to Spanish Ferrarista Carlos Sainz, who was replaced by Arthur Leclerc, world champion Max Verstappen also did not participate in the first free practice session of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

In his place, Red Bull gave the opportunity to Isack Hadjar, a young hopeful currently in the running for the Formula 2 title, to drive the RB20. For the French driver the fifteenth time (+1''556).

Charles, however, will be penalized ten positions on the grid for changing the battery paco, a change that made the Monegasque lose the entire first part of the session and that could cost Ferrari dearly in view of the constructors world championship.