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 residence on the Yas Marina Circuit. The title appears inside attain.
The nightmare for Ferrari started within the opening minutes of observe. A battery failure compelled the workforce to suit Leclerc’s automobile with its third Power Retailer of the season, triggering an automated grid penalty. This highlights Ferrari’s persistent struggles with part reliability, a difficulty that has compelled almost 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 formidable 20 races earlier than replacements had been wanted in Brazil.
Ferrari’s issues lengthen 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 prime groups, carefully matching Verstappen’s lap occasions. This marks Ferrari’s first vital misstep with automobile setup since July, a stark distinction to Leclerc’s latest reward for the workforce’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 robust Haas. McLaren appears to be replicating their Qatar technique, choosing larger aerodynamic downforce. This method 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 occasions had 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 workforce. Regardless of night temperatures lingering round 30°C—much less favorable than the cool situations Mercedes typically exploits—the workforce confirmed robust race tempo. Hamilton, particularly, 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. Crimson Bull hopes to copy 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, putting each vehicles within the prime ten, with Nico Hulkenberg impressively third. As they battle 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 night time of labor throughout the grid.
Wanting Forward to 2025
Abu Dhabi’s Friday supplied insights into the long run, notably for Ferrari. The workforce opted to not use their new flooring, 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 flooring highlights Ferrari’s ongoing shift in idea initiated in 2024. Addressing this long-standing weak point 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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