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 automotive 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 pressured the crew to suit Leclerc’s automotive with its third Power Retailer of the season, triggering an automated grid penalty. This highlights Ferrari’s persistent struggles with element reliability, a problem that has pressured almost all Ferrari-powered groups to exceed the two-unit restrict this 12 months. 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 had been wanted in Brazil.
Ferrari’s considerations prolong past reliability to efficiency. Each SF-24s struggled in qualifying simulations, hindered by tire preparation points throughout warm-up laps, exacerbated by site 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 occasions. This marks Ferrari’s first important misstep with automotive setup since July, a stark distinction to Leclerc’s current reward for the crew’s weekend execution. But, their self-confidence stays a slender lifeline heading into qualifying.
McLaren, in the meantime, had a great 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 greater aerodynamic downforce. This method slows the MCL38s on straights however helps them activate tires rapidly within the first sector, sustaining grip via Yas Marina’s technical ultimate 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 clean tarmac, permitting for a low, stiff setup that fits the crew. Regardless of night temperatures lingering round 30°C—much less favorable than the cool circumstances Mercedes typically exploits—the crew confirmed sturdy race tempo. Hamilton, specifically, seems poised to bid farewell to the season with a stable 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 automobiles within the high ten, with Nico Hulkenberg impressively third. As they struggle Alpine for sixth within the Constructors’ Championship, Haas confirmed promising early type. Whereas Alpine struggled, there’s time for changes, setting the stage for an extended evening of labor throughout the grid.
Wanting Forward to 2025
Abu Dhabi’s Friday supplied insights into the long run, notably for Ferrari. The crew opted to not use their new ground, launched in Las Vegas, throughout qualifying or the race, limiting its testing to Arthur Leclerc’s automotive 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 point is essential for future success. Successful the Constructors’ Championship now requires a monumental effort, however Ferrari is laying the groundwork to safe a second likelihood subsequent season.
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