Ferrari has announced that Lewis Hamilton will be replaced by Arthur Leclerc for the first practice session at the upcoming Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This decision comes as the team seeks to fulfill a mandatory requirement to field a rookie driver during one practice session in the 2025 Formula 1 season. Leclerc, the younger brother of Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc, has previously partnered with him in practice sessions and has been active as a development driver for the team despite leaving its driver academy in 2023.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, taking place at the Yas Marina Circuit, marks the conclusion of the 2025 season. Hamilton will return to his SF-25 for the second practice session, which is considered the most significant of the weekend.
This season has been challenging for Hamilton, who has managed to secure 18 top-ten finishes but has not reached the podium. Former F1 driver Ralf Schumacher expressed his concerns about Hamilton’s performance following the recent Qatar Grand Prix. In an interview with Sky Deutschland, Schumacher suggested that it may be time for Hamilton to consider retirement, stating, “Lewis Hamilton is, of course, a seven-time world champion, but that doesn’t matter if the performance isn’t right.”
Schumacher highlighted Hamilton’s frustration with the current state of his performance, noting that he seems unable to find the rhythm necessary to compete effectively. “He no longer has that harmony over an entire lap,” Schumacher commented, emphasizing the difficulty Hamilton is experiencing in achieving optimal performance.
Despite speculation about his future, Hamilton remains resolute about continuing his racing career. He stated, “No, no, no. I’m excited for a new generation of car. Because this has been the worst-designed one that I remember in my phase.” Hamilton criticized the current car design, calling attention to issues such as bouncing and stiffness that have contributed to a lack of enjoyable racing. He expressed frustration with the inability to overtake during races, questioning the purpose of competition under such conditions.
As the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix approaches, the focus will not only be on the championship showdown but also on Hamilton’s determination to improve his performance in the closing races of the season. The weekend holds significant implications for the drivers’ championship, which will be decided among three contenders, but it remains a challenging culmination for Hamilton and Ferrari after a difficult year.
In a related note, Sky has announced a reduction in prices for its Essential TV and Sky Sports bundle ahead of the 2025/26 season, providing substantial savings for members and increasing the number of live matches available in various sports, including at least 215 live Premier League games next season.
