F1: Ferrari's Charles Leclerc Tops Post-season Test in Abu Dhabi
During the 2024 F1 post-season test at Yas Marina in Abu Dhabi, just two days after the season finale, Leclerc set the fastest time while testing the 2025 tyre compounds for Pirelli.
By Divyam Dubey
Charles Leclerc set the fastest lap in the post-season test at Yas Marina Circuit for Ferrari. The nine-hour session saw both rookie and regular drivers testing various setups and the 2025 Pirelli tyres. Leclerc outpaced his former teammate Carlos Sainz, who made his debut with Williams and finished second. Mercedes’ George Russell placed third. Sainz led the morning session in his first test with Williams, adapting quickly to the team. His second-place finish demonstrated his ability to integrate well into a new environment, raising Williams' hopes for a strong 2025 season. The test provided valuable insights for teams as they prepare for the next season, showcasing the potential of new drivers and car setups.
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McLaren participated in the test with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. They focused on testing new components and refining the car for the 2025 season, rather than chasing fast lap times. This approach aligns with McLaren's strategy to build on its successful 2024 campaign.
F1: Abu Dhabi Post-season Test Result
Red Bull gave Yuki Tsunoda his first test with the main team after several seasons at VCARB. Tsunoda completed valuable laps, finishing in the midfield as Red Bull focused on refining their 2024 car for continued dominance in the upcoming season. Liam Lawson, driving for VCARB, secured 13th place and set the benchmark for laps completed, finishing with an impressive 159 tours of Yas Marina, the most of any driver.
| Pos | Driver | Team | Time | Laps |
| 1 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | 1m23.510s | 134 |
| 2 | Carlos Sainz | Williams | 1m23.635s | 146 |
| 3 | George Russell | Mercedes | 1m23.789s | 134 |
| 4 | Nico Hulkenberg | Sauber | 1m23.856s | 113 |
| 5 | Andrea Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes | 1m23.873s | 62 |
| 6 | Amuyu Iwasa | VCARB | 1m24.100s | 110 |
| 7 | Pato O'Ward | McLaren | 1m24.222s | 116 |
| 8 | Jack Doohan | Alpine | 1m24.268 | 137 |
| 9 | Paul Aron | Alpine | 1m24.275s | 121 |
| 10 | Esteban Ocon | Haas | 1m24.305s | 119 |
| 11 | Luke Browning | Williams | 1m24.375s | 105 |
| 12 | Ryo Hirakawa | Haas | 1m24.435s | 133 |
| 13 | Liam Lawson | VCARB | 1m24.440s | 159 |
| 14 | Arthur Leclerc | Ferrari | 1m24.576s | 68 |
| 15 | Isack Hadjar | Red Bull | 1m24.632s | 125 |
| 16 | Lando Norris | McLaren | 1m24.678s | 84 |
| 17 | Yuki Tsunoda | Red Bull | 1m24.689s | 127 |
| 18 | Gabriel Bortoleto | Stake | 1m24.738s | 130 |
| 19 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren | 1m24.838s | 72 |
| 20 | Jak Crawford | Aston Martin | 1n24.997s | 109 |
| 21 | Felipe Drugovich | Aston Martin | 1m25.014s | 146 |
| 22 | Frederik Vesti | Mercedes | 1m25.159s | 55 |
| 23 | Antonio Fuoco | Ferrari | 1m25.238s | 73 |
Williams also gave rookie Luke Browning the chance to impress. Browning completed strong laps and finished in the top 12, highlighting his potential as a future F1 driver. The post-season test also saw Mercedes’ rising star Kimi Antonelli continuing his preparation for an F1 debut.
Also Read: F1: Carlos Sainz Makes Williams Debut in Post-season Dhabi Abu Dhabi Test
The 2025 F1 season will begin with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne on March 16.
