Abu Dhabi’s Friday session closely tipped the Constructors’ Championship towards Woking. Charles Leclerc’s ten-place grid penalty was simply the primary blow for Ferrari, compounded by poor race tempo later within the night. In stark distinction, McLaren shone, bolstered by the reliability of their Mercedes energy unit and a automobile instantly at dwelling on the Yas Marina Circuit. The title appears inside attain.
The nightmare for Ferrari started within the opening minutes of follow. A battery failure compelled the staff to suit Leclerc’s automobile with its third Vitality Retailer of the season, triggering an automated grid penalty. This highlights Ferrari’s persistent struggles with element reliability, a difficulty that has compelled practically all Ferrari-powered groups to exceed the two-unit restrict this yr. In distinction, the robustness of Mercedes’ hybrid system stands out, with drivers like Russell, Hamilton, and Alonso utilizing their first batteries for a powerful 20 races earlier than replacements have been wanted in Brazil.
Ferrari’s issues prolong past reliability to efficiency. Each SF-24s struggled in qualifying simulations, hindered by tire preparation points throughout warm-up laps, exacerbated by visitors. “The preparation is horrible; we have to begin earlier,” Charles Leclerc lamented over the radio. Sadly, issues didn’t enhance within the race simulations, the place Ferrari confirmed the weakest tempo among the many high groups, intently matching Verstappen’s lap instances. This marks Ferrari’s first important misstep with automobile setup since July, a stark distinction to Leclerc’s current reward for the staff’s weekend execution. But, their self-confidence stays a slender lifeline heading into qualifying.
McLaren, in the meantime, had a perfect begin. Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris dominated in qualifying simulations, outpacing rivals by half a second, together with a surprisingly sturdy Haas. McLaren appears to be replicating their Qatar technique, choosing larger aerodynamic downforce. This strategy slows the MCL38s on straights however helps them activate tires rapidly within the first sector, sustaining grip by Yas Marina’s technical remaining part. This benefit carried into race simulations, the place McLaren posted the day’s finest tempo. Piastri’s lap instances have been notably spectacular, prompting a dejected Leclerc to confess, “They’re actually quick.”
Mercedes emerged as McLaren’s closest challenger. The W15 thrives on Abu Dhabi’s easy tarmac, permitting for a low, stiff setup that fits the staff. Regardless of night temperatures lingering round 30°C—much less favorable than the cool circumstances Mercedes typically exploits—the staff confirmed sturdy race tempo. Hamilton, specifically, seems poised to bid farewell to the season with a strong efficiency.
Verstappen, nevertheless, endured a tough session, ending seventeenth after skipping FP1 to permit Isack Hadjar a flip. “The understeer is embarrassing,” the Dutchman complained over the radio, pinpointing entrance axle points. This mirrors Verstappen’s season-long frustrations with the RB20’s sluggish nook rotation, which prevents him from aggressively attacking apexes. Pink Bull hopes to duplicate the setup turnaround they achieved in Qatar, however Friday underscored the RB20’s finicky nature, typically unpredictable in simulator settings versus on-track efficiency.
Haas had motive to rejoice, inserting each vehicles within the high ten, with Nico Hulkenberg impressively third. As they combat Alpine for sixth within the Constructors’ Championship, Haas confirmed promising early kind. Whereas Alpine struggled, there’s time for changes, setting the stage for a protracted evening of labor throughout the grid.
Wanting Forward to 2025
Abu Dhabi’s Friday supplied insights into the longer term, notably for Ferrari. The staff opted to not use their new ground, launched in Las Vegas, throughout qualifying or the race, limiting its testing to Arthur Leclerc’s automobile in FP1. Designed to enhance stability in lengthy corners—of which Yas Marina has few—the brand new ground highlights Ferrari’s ongoing shift in idea initiated in 2024. Addressing this long-standing weak spot is essential for future success. Profitable the Constructors’ Championship now requires a monumental effort, however Ferrari is laying the groundwork to safe a second probability subsequent season.
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