Abu Dhabi GP: Final Race Weather Forecast
The 2024 F1 season concludes in Abu Dhabi with an exhilarating three-way Drivers' Championship battle featuring Max Verstappen and both McLaren drivers. Historically, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has always been dry, and this year is no exception, with clear and hazy conditions and temperatures around 27-28°C expected throughout the weekend. This stable weather will allow teams to focus entirely on strategy and performance for a dramatic championship decider at Yas Marina.
The 2024 Formula 1 season culminates in Abu Dhabi, where three drivers—Max Verstappen and both McLaren drivers—are still in contention for the Drivers' Championship. This marks the first time since 2010 that three or more drivers are fighting for the title in the final race.
Why it matters:
The championship decider at Yas Marina Circuit carries immense stakes, not just for the drivers, but for their teams and the legacy of the sport. A multi-driver title fight injects unparalleled drama, capturing global attention and promising a thrilling conclusion to what has been an unpredictable season, especially after Verstappen's resurgence post-summer break.
The details:
- Championship Contenders: Max Verstappen, along with both McLaren drivers, are battling for the Drivers' Championship in the season finale.
- Verstappen's Comeback: After a mid-season slump, Verstappen and Red Bull's RB21 have shown strong development since Zandvoort, allowing him to close the gap and take the fight to the final race.
- Historical Context: This is the first time since 2010 that three drivers are in title contention at the final Grand Prix.
- Weather Consistency: The Abu Dhabi GP is historically dry, with every race since 2009 held under clear conditions.
- Friday: Expected to begin with morning clouds, clearing to hazy sunshine in the afternoon. High of 27°C, with northeast winds at 10–15 km/h.
- Saturday: Forecast to be mostly clear and hazy, with temperatures around 27°C and NNE winds at 10–15 km/h.
- Sunday (Race Day): Anticipated to be clear and hazy, reaching 28°C, with NE winds at 10–15 km/h. No rain is predicted for the entire race weekend.
The big picture:
The Yas Marina Circuit has a history of hosting dramatic season finales. From Verstappen's controversial victory over Lewis Hamilton in 2021 to McLaren's Constructors' Championship triumph last year, the circuit is no stranger to high-stakes contests. The consistent dry weather ensures that the focus will remain squarely on strategy, driver performance, and the raw speed of the cars, rather than external factors.
What's next:
With the return to a traditional weekend format—including three practice sessions—teams will have ample opportunity to fine-tune their setups and strategies before qualifying and the decisive race. The stable weather conditions mean that teams can focus purely on performance, setting the stage for a straightforward yet intense battle for the championship. The outcome will not only crown a new champion but also set the tone for the 2025 season, with teams already looking ahead to next year's developments.