Today, one more world title is up for grabs, with McLaren and Ferrari vying for the honor. However, with team orange securing a front-row lockout and half of team red on the last starting row, it seems like a foregone conclusion. But in Formula 1, you never know.
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have been fast on the Yas Marina Circuit all weekend. They were unstoppable during the qualifiers, securing the first starting row. Will McLaren finally win the constructors’ title again since 1998? Behind them are Carlos Sainz and Max Verstappen. The Spaniard, in particular, wants to shine one last time and finish at least on the podium. This might be his last chance to add to his trophy cabinet, as he will be driving the significantly slower Williams from next year.
Then, let’s pay attention to two gentlemen in the top ten who could surprise us today. At P7, we find Nico Hülkenberg. The German received a grid penalty last night and had to give up his fourth starting position. But he was faster in the qualifiers than Max Verstappen and George Russell. He has been showing good speed all weekend, so don’t be surprised if he makes his way forward. And then at P9, Valtteri Bottas. He is the only driver on the grid who hasn’t scored any points this season. Will he finally succeed this afternoon, notably in his last race for Stake F1?
One Last Time
At the back of the field, two top drivers will be pushing their limits for different reasons in this final Grand Prix of the season. Starting disappointingly at P16 is Lewis Hamilton. The Brit is bidding farewell to Mercedes and wants nothing more than to leave the German team with his head held high. In the nineteenth position is Charles Leclerc’s Ferrari. Theoretically, he could still finish second in the championship and help the Italian team secure the constructors’ title. It’s a seemingly impossible task, but as mentioned before: in Formula 1, you never know.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix starts today at 12:00 UTC.
