Ferrari Confirm Driver Change Ahead of Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Ferrari have confirmed that Lewis Hamilton will be replaced for the first practice session of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

This weekend, the 2025 Formula 1 campaign will come to a close with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Heading into the finale, Lando Norris, Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri are still in with a chance of winning the world title.

Currently, Norris leads Verstappen by 12 points, with Piastri 16 points adrift of his McLaren teammate.

Norris, 26, knows that a top-three finish would secure his maiden F1 world title, but Verstappen and Piastri will be looking to snatch the trophy away from the Brit.

Further down the grid, it has been a torrid first season at Ferrari for Hamilton, who has so far failed to score a podium with his new team.

In recent weeks, Hamilton experienced back-to-back Q1 exits in Las Vegas and Qatar.

Ahead of this weekend's race around the Yas Marina Circuit, Ferrari have confirmed that Hamilton will be required to sit out FP1.

Lewis Hamilton will be replaced for FP1 in Abu Dhabi. Image: Getty

The seven-time world champion will be replaced by Arthur Leclerc, brother of Hamilton's teammate, Charles.

Arthur is getting a drive for FP1 as Ferrari are yet to fulfil their mandatory fielding of a rookie driver for the first practice session.

Speaking about driving alongside his older brother Charles, Arthur said: "Charles and I are very happy to be driving again together in FP1. It’s very exciting to be in a car on the other side of the garage from him.

"From a technical point of view, driving the car on track is always useful for us drivers who mainly support the team with our work in the simulator back in Maranello. It helps us to give better feedback to the engineers."

Arthur Leclerc will drive alongside brother Charles. Image: Getty

Meanwhile, Ferrari team boss Fred Vasseur said ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: "Abu Dhabi brings a long and challenging season to a close, for the drivers and for everyone in the team.

"At Yas Marina, we will push until the very end, with the whole team aiming to finish the Championship on a positive note."

Aside from Ferrari, the likes of McLaren, Aston Martin, Red Bull and Williams have also made driver changes for FP1.