Abu Dhabi GP: Full Schedule for the F1 Title Decider
The F1 season concludes with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Oscar Piastri will battle for the championship. Norris holds a slim lead, making a top-three finish crucial. The weekend returns to a traditional format, with practice sessions on Friday, qualifying on Saturday, and the title-deciding race on Sunday. All eyes will be on McLaren's strategy and the intense competition among the contenders.
The F1 season culminates in Abu Dhabi, where the championship will be decided between McLaren teammates Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, and Red Bull's Max Verstappen. Norris currently holds a narrow 12-point lead over Verstappen and 16 points over Piastri, setting the stage for a thrilling finale.
Why it matters:
This year's title fight marks another dramatic conclusion to the F1 season, reminiscent of the 2021 and 2022 finales. With three drivers still in contention, the pressure on McLaren and Norris to avoid past strategic errors will be immense. A victory for Norris would mark his maiden championship, solidifying McLaren's return to the top tier of Formula 1, while Verstappen aims for an upset.
The Details:
- Championship Scenario: Lando Norris leads the standings by 12 points over Max Verstappen and 16 points over Oscar Piastri. Norris needs a top-three finish to guarantee the championship.
- McLaren's Recent Performance: At the Qatar Grand Prix, Norris secured victory ahead of Piastri, with Carlos Sainz's Williams splitting the McLarens. However, the team faced strategic missteps in Las Vegas (disqualification) and Qatar (keeping both cars out on track, which backfired), adding pressure for a flawless performance in Abu Dhabi.
- Traditional Weekend Format: Unlike some recent race weekends, Abu Dhabi will revert to the standard format, featuring three practice sessions, qualifying, and the race.
The Schedule:
Friday, 5 December
- 10:30 (local time): Free Practice 1
- 14:00 (local time): Free Practice 2
Saturday, 6 December
- 11:30 (local time): Free Practice 3
- 15:00 (local time): Qualifying
Sunday, 7 December
- 14:00 (local time): Race
What's Next:
All eyes will be on the Yas Marina Circuit as the championship battle unfolds. McLaren's ability to execute a perfect race weekend, combined with the individual performances of Norris, Piastri, and Verstappen, will determine the 2025 Formula 1 World Champion. The stakes are incredibly high, promising an unforgettable end to the season.