A Third Row Start for the Final Race: Leclerc’s Frustrating Abu Dhabi GP Journey
The 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix qualifying session brought mixed emotions for Charles Leclerc and the Ferrari team, culminating in a third-row start for the final race of the season. Despite fierce determination, Leclerc expressed deep frustration with his P5 finish, highlighting the persistent challenges faced with his Ferrari F1 car.
Qualifying Struggles and Strategic Decisions
Leclerc navigated a demanding qualifying session, ultimately lining up in 12th place alongside teammate Carlos Sainz in 13th. The Scuderia Ferrari Maranello reported that both drivers encountered significant handling issues, making it difficult to optimize lap times on the Yas Marina Circuit. Strategic choices during Q1 and Q2 were critical, but the car’s instability remained a barrier to higher grid positions.
“In the Wall or Through Q1”: Car Difficulties Explained
In post-qualifying analysis, Leclerc described the Ferrari as profoundly challenging, stating, “It’s either in the wall or through Q1”. The car’s unpredictable behavior led to multiple incidents, including near-misses and reduced confidence during fast laps. Technical director Enrico Cardile and engineering staff worked tirelessly to adjust setup, but fundamental handling flaws persisted.
Race Day Reality: P5 and Measured Satisfaction
During the race, Leclerc fought valiantly to climb the order, securing a fifth-place finish. However, satisfaction was muted; as he remarked, “It’s a shame to be pleased with P5 – but that’s all we had today”. The result underscored Ferrari’s inability to match the pace of title contenders like Mercedes and Red Bull, despite strategic overtakes and tire management.
Looking Ahead: Reflections on a Turbulent Season
The Abu Dhabi GP encapsulated Ferrari’s 2025 campaign: moments of brilliance overshadowed by reliability and performance inconsistencies. While Leclerc remains committed to extracting maximum value from each race, the team faces pressing questions about technical development and resource allocation for 2026. Fans and analysts alike will watch closely to see if Ferrari can rebound stronger in the next season.
Source attribution: Ferrari official race reports, Formula1.com race coverage, Motorsport.com technical analysis.
