Temporary Replacement: Lewis Hamilton is set to be temporarily replaced for the initial practice session (FP1) at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Ferrari has confirmed that the team’s development driver, Arthur Leclerc, will take over the car for this mandatory session.
Mandatory Rookie Rule: This change is being made to comply with a compulsory F1 regulation that mandates all teams must field a rookie driver in an additional FP1 session. This rule is in place to ensure that younger or less experienced drivers gain necessary track time in current Formula 1 machinery.
Arthur Leclerc’s Role: Arthur Leclerc, the younger brother of current Ferrari star Charles Leclerc, is taking the wheel for his second FP1 session with the team. He now serves as a development driver, balancing this with his racing commitments in the GT World Challenge Europe Sprint Cup.
Hamilton’s Practice Return: The seven-time world champion will only miss the first session of the weekend’s track action due to this required regulation. Hamilton is scheduled to return to his SF-25 for the second practice session (FP2), which is generally considered the more representative running session for race conditions in Abu Dhabi.
Championship Decider: The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit marks the highly anticipated conclusion of the 2025 Formula 1 season. This final race weekend is set to be a crucial championship decider to determine the World Drivers’ and Constructors’ titles.
Frustrating Season: Hamilton has had a particularly frustrating 2025 campaign leading into the finale, despite consistent efforts. He has managed 18 finishes in the top-10 but has notably failed to secure a single podium finish throughout the season.
Retirement Speculation: Following Hamilton’s recent struggles, former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher suggested the champion should consider retirement. Schumacher believes Hamilton may be too frustrated and no longer operating at the level required to achieve his optimum performance.
Future Commitment: Despite the criticism and difficult season, Hamilton has firmly dismissed any talks of retirement, confirming he is committed to the sport. He expressed his excitement for the upcoming new generation of F1 cars, which he anticipates will improve the quality of racing.