Breaking: FIA announce LATE investigation for F1 star at Abu Dhabi after DRAMA between…read more

FIA Launches Late Investigation After Drama-Filled Abu Dhabi GP Qualifying

The FIA has announced a late investigation into an unnamed Formula 1 driver following the qualifying session for the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This news has come at the end of an action-packed day at Yas Marina Circuit, where McLaren shone brightly, securing a front-row lockout.

Lando Norris delivered an impressive performance to claim pole position for Sunday’s race, followed closely by his McLaren teammate, Oscar Piastri, in second. This result strengthens McLaren’s grip over Ferrari in the fight for second place in the constructors’ championship. Ferrari, hoping to close the gap, saw Carlos Sainz secure the third-fastest time, keeping the pressure on McLaren as the teams head into the final race of the season.

Unfortunately for Ferrari, the session was far from smooth for Sainz’s teammate, Charles Leclerc. Leclerc’s day took a turn for the worse when his fastest lap was invalidated for exceeding track limits, adding to his frustrations. On top of that, Leclerc was handed a 10-place grid penalty for a separate violation. This penalty pushed the Monegasque driver to the back of the grid, where he will start Sunday’s race from 20th position. Ferrari now faces an uphill battle in their quest to challenge McLaren for second in the standings, as Leclerc’s penalty significantly hampers their chances.

In addition to Ferrari’s struggles, Mercedes had a challenging session as well, particularly for Lewis Hamilton. The seven-time world champion’s hopes were dashed in Q1 when he hit a bollard during his final flying lap, damaging his car and forcing an early exit from the session. Hamilton’s failure to progress beyond Q1 was a rare and disappointing moment for the veteran driver, who has enjoyed a storied career filled with far more successful results. His teammate, George Russell, managed to avoid such misfortune, but his performance was also underwhelming, leaving him with a mid-grid start. For Mercedes, this qualifying session fell well below their usual high standards.

The qualifying drama didn’t stop there. Earlier in the day, a freak accident caused delays in the session, forcing a brief halt to proceedings. Though the specifics of the incident remain unclear, it disrupted the qualifying schedule, prompting teams and drivers to quickly adjust their strategies. The delays only added to the tension and unpredictability of the session.

Amidst all this, the FIA’s late investigation has only added another layer of intrigue to an already dramatic weekend. While officials have yet to disclose the specifics of the investigation, including the driver or the nature of the infraction, the announcement has sparked widespread speculation in the paddock. The investigation could potentially impact the outcome of the race, depending on its findings and any penalties that may be imposed.

As the 2024 Formula 1 season draws to a close, the stakes are higher than ever for teams and drivers looking to finish on a high note. McLaren’s strong qualifying session puts them in a prime position to maintain their advantage over Ferrari in the constructors’ championship, while Ferrari will be scrambling to recover from Leclerc’s penalty and Sainz’s starting position in third. Mercedes, meanwhile, faces an uphill struggle after a lackluster session, with Hamilton starting towards the back of the grid and Russell in the middle.

The results of the FIA investigation, along with the events of Sunday’s race, could have a significant impact on the final standings and the season’s conclusion. Fans are eagerly awaiting more details about the investigation, which will surely add to the drama of what has already been an unpredictable and exciting Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend.

With the final race of 2024 set to be a thrilling conclusion to the season, the focus is now on whether McLaren can hold their ground, Ferrari can recover, and if the FIA’s investigation will shake things up further. Regardless of the outcome, the last race promises to deliver plenty of excitement as the Formula 1 season comes to an end.