Leclerc tops F1 post-season test in Abu Dhabi

Charles Leclerc concluded the 2024 Formula 1 season on a high note, topping the timesheet at Tuesday's post-season test in Abu Dhabi.

The Ferrari driver finished the nine-hour session, clocking a 1m23.510s lap during cooler evening conditions while testing Pirelli's 2025 tire compounds.

Leclerc's performance came after completing an impressive 134 laps, a fitting finale for the Ferrari star as the paddock transitions into a new year of competition.

As is typical with post-season tests, lap times were largely irrelevant. Teams worked with Pirelli to evaluate their 2025 tires, with factors like fuel loads, setup configurations, and compound choices varying widely.

The primary goal was data collection and driver feedback, both of which Pirelli received in abundance thanks to a trouble-free day, marked only by a brief red flag late in the session.

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Leclerc's benchmark lap edged out Carlos Sainz, who made a strong debut for Williams with 146 laps under his belt.

The Spaniard finished the session just 0.125s behind his former Scuderia team mate and just finished Mercedes' George Russell who completed a total of 134 laps over the course of the day.

Nico Hülkenberg impressed on his first day with Sauber, securing fourth place, while his teammate, 2024 F2 champion Gabriel Bortoleto, got his first taste of F1 machinery in the Sauber cockpit.

Fifth-fastest was Mercedes rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli, despite sitting out the morning due to illness. The young Italian nevertheless racked up 62 valuable laps as he continued his smooth transition to the pinnacle of motorsport.

Other notable performances included Esteban Ocon, who debuted with Haas after sitting out Sunday's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to prepare for his new role. Ocon completed 119 laps and finished 10th fastest, marking a productive start with his new team.

Meanwhile, Red Bull gave Yuki Tsunoda his long-awaited first test in a Red Bull car, with the Japanese driver completing 127 laps as he showcased his potential to the team.

Running alongside the Japanese driver, Isack Hadjar completed a significant mileage tally as part of his bid to secure a seat with RB in 2025.

McLaren, fresh off their Constructors' Championship victory, provided IndyCar star Pato O'Ward another opportunity behind the wheel. O'Ward put in two full race distances, underscoring McLaren's commitment to his development within the F1 framework.

The Abu Dhabi test officially draws the curtain on the 2024 Formula 1 season. Teams now turn their attention to 2025, with the next on-track action scheduled for Bahrain's three-day winter test from February 26-28.

The season kicks off in earnest with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 16, as drivers and teams prepare for a new campaign filled with renewed rivalries and opportunities.

For now, the paddock breathes a collective sigh of relief before the intensity of another season builds.

Session times:

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