The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Preview
- Teagan Crump
- 6 days ago
- 3 min read
By Teagan Crump
It all comes down to this. One driver will take championship glory, two will have to settle for less.
Lando Norris, Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri can all win the Formula One Drivers’ Championship this weekend, but what else do fans need to watch out for?
This year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be happening at the Yas Marina Circuit on Sunday 7th December at 1pm UK time (5pm local time).
The top three in the championship are separated by 16 points. At the Qatar Grand Prix, both Verstappen and Piastri took some points out of Norris’ lead, with Piastri winning the Sprint Race and Verstappen winning the Grand Prix. During the weekend, Norris managed to claim third in the Sprint and fourth in the main race, his effort was not enough to have the points advantage to win the title.
This weekend, a maximum of 25 points can be won by drivers.
2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix recap
Last year, Lando Norris started from pole position for the final race of the season. He was followed by teammate Piastri in second, and former teammate and Ferrari driver Sainz in third position.
In the first corner of the first lap, Piastri and Verstappen (who had started third) came together and both spun. Both drivers were able to recover, and rejoined the pack.
Later on in the lap, Red Bull car of Pérez suffered a similar fate when it was spun by future teammate Bottas’ Sauber, however he could not recover and suffered a DNF. On lap seven, Leclerc and Magnussen battled for seventh position, with the Ferrari driver eventually claiming the place.
Lap 26 saw Colapinto retire with an engine issue, and on lap 31, Kevin Magnussen and Valtteri Bottas came together after the latter suffered a lock-up. As a result, Bottas had to retire from the race.
On lap 58, Lando Norris crossed the line in first and sealed the Constructors’ Championship for the Woking-based team. He was followed by the Ferraris of Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc who, despite their best efforts, could not get Ferrari the points they needed, so the Scuderia had to settle for second in the Constructors’ Championship.
What to expect at the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
For the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the weather looks set to be similar to that of the Qatar Grand Prix: hot and dry.
Some important factors to consider this weekend are FP1- Oscar Piastri sat out as McLaren had to run a rookie, he was replaced by Pato O’Ward. However, Norris and Verstappen were at the top of the time sheets, so does it create a disadvantage for the Australian?
Also, the concept of “Papaya Rules” could affect the outcome. Whilst McLaren have inisted that they will give a fair chance to Oscar Piastri, they have also said that if Verstappen looks set to win the title, they will request that Piastri lets Norris through.
In the Friday press conference, McLaren CEO Zak Brown said:
“In the sense of team orders, as long as both drivers have a chance to win the world championship- which they clearly do sitting here right now- then it’s business as usual, they’re free to race.”
He then went on to add:“Obviously we’ll be practical and realistic. If, as the weekend develops, it becomes clear that one has a significantly better chance than another, then we’re a team that wants to win the drivers’ championship and we will race accordingly to do whatever we can to get whatever that driver is in front to try and win the race.
“Our team orders have been around giving equal opportunity to win the championship, but as the race plays out, if it becomes clear that both can’t, then we’re going to do what’s in the best interest of the team and try and win the drivers’ championship.”
Another threat is Max Verstappen. He has had one hell of a comeback this season, and it is unbelievable that he has fought his way back into the title fight. He could become the Red Bull driver with the most drivers’ titles if he wins it this weekend.
Comments