The floodlights of Abu Dhabi's Yas Marina Circuit have seen countless stories unfold, but this Friday's opening practice session will hold a uniquely personal resonance for the Leclerc family.
For the first time in Formula 1 history, two brothers - Charles and Arthur Leclerc - will share the track as teammates in an official session.
It marks not just a milestone in their professional careers but a deeply emotional moment rooted in years of sacrifice and shared dreams.
For Charles, Ferrari’s star driver and one of the sport’s most recognizable talents, the occasion is more than just another practice session. It’s the culmination of a journey that began in the streets of Monaco, where two brothers dreamed of racing on motorsport’s grandest stage.
Reflecting on the importance of the occasion, Charles spoke with a heartfelt sincerity.
“It will be very, very, very special,” he said. “It’s very special because I also know the whole background of how did he get there, how did we get there.”
That journey, as Charles explained, was far from easy. Racing is an expensive pursuit, and the Leclerc family, like many others, faced hard decisions along the way.
Their late father, Hervé, a racing driver in his own right who played a pivotal role in nurturing Charles’ early career, had to make the heartbreaking choice to prioritize Charles over Arthur when financial resources ran thin.
Arthur, then just a boy with the same aspirations as his older brother, had to temporarily set his dreams aside.
“Obviously, our parents have done a lot of sacrifices for both of us to pursue our dream,” Charles said.
“He had to stop that dream for three or four years because my father couldn’t withstand the investment that was required for him to continue. And I was the only one to continue in the family.”
“My older brother [Lorenzo] took a different step, which was studying – so that was less expensive – and he’s very successful in what he does. But my younger brother wanted to do just the same as me.
“He restarted a few years later when I was supported by my manager, Nicolas Todt. I have seen how hurt my father was when he said to Arthur that he had to stop racing because we didn’t have the finances behind it.”
For Charles, seeing Arthur suit up for FP1 is not just a professional milestone; it’s a family triumph.
©Ferrari
Their mother, Pascale, who supported her sons through every twist and turn of their careers, will be trackside on Friday to witness the occasion firsthand. Her presence adds another layer of emotion to an already poignant moment.
“To know that tomorrow he will be in FP1 with me is a very, very special moment, not only for both of us, but I think for the whole family, for my mum – she will be travelling here tomorrow to see FP1,” he said.
“So it will be a very emotional moment, but I’m looking forward to it. He deserves it and I’m really happy for him.”
Not only will Arthur join Charles out on the track in FP1, he’ll also take part in Tuesday’s post-season test, sharing the wheel of Ferrari’s SF-24 with fellow Scuderia test driver Antonio Fuoco.
As the two brothers prepare to hit the track together, their story stands as a testament to the power of perseverance, familial love, and the sacrifices that underpin every victory in motorsport.
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