Leclerc Faces Grid Penalty at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Charles Leclerc of Ferrari has received a 10-place grid penalty for the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after the team was forced to fit a new battery pack, exceeding their permitted allowance for the season. This penalty poses a significant setback for Ferrari, who are 21 points behind McLaren in the constructors' championship, with a maximum of 44 points available in the final race. Leclerc and teammate Carlos Sainz emphasized the necessity of a one-two finish to have a chance at the title, which Ferrari has not won since 2008. Despite the penalty, Leclerc was the fastest in the opening practice session, clocking a lap time of 1:24.321, but his performance was aided by softer tires and optimal track conditions. McLaren is also vying for its first title since 1998, intensifying the competition. The race will test Ferrari's strategic execution and the performance of its drivers amidst high stakes.