Charles Leclerc has described the opportunity to share the track with his younger brother Arthur during Friday’s first practice session as a “deeply meaningful moment” for their family.
The siblings will make history as the first brothers to participate in an official Formula 1 session as teammates, with Arthur stepping in for Carlos Sainz at Ferrari during the opening practice for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. It marks Arthur’s debut in a grand prix weekend, a significant milestone for the 23-year-old, who previously competed in Formula 2 and this year raced in the European Le Mans Series with Panis Racing.
Charles Leclerc expressed his pride in seeing his brother achieve this milestone, particularly given the sacrifices their family made to support his career. Their late father, Herve Leclerc, faced the tough decision to prioritize Charles’s racing ambitions over Arthur’s due to financial constraints during their childhood, making this opportunity all the more poignant.
“It will be very, very, very special. It’s very special because I also know the whole background of how did he get there, how did we get there. Obviously, our parents have done a lot of sacrifices for both of us to pursue our dream. 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.” – Charles Leclerc explained ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – “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” – the Monegasque driver added.
Ferrari junior Arthur Leclerc is set to participate in the post-season test session on Tuesday, where he will share driving duties of the SF-24 with Antonio Fuoco. Adding to the significance of the occasion, the brothers’ mother, Pascale, will be in attendance at Yas Marina, witnessing the special moment of her two sons representing Ferrari on track together.
“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 explained. “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.” – the Ferrari driver concluded.
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