F1 Abu Dhabi GP Qualifying: Start Time, How to Watch & More

The 2025 Formula 1 world drivers' championship culminates this weekend at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the final race of the current ground-effect era. McLaren's Lando Norris leads the championship by 12 points over Red Bull's Max Verstappen, with McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri 16 points off the lead in third. Norris needs a podium finish to secure his maiden title, but as history shows, anything can happen in a championship decider.

Why it matters:

• This race is the climax of the 2025 F1 season, deciding the drivers' world championship in a dramatic three-way battle.
• It marks the end of the ground-effect era, potentially setting the stage for significant rule changes and car designs in future seasons.
• The championship could see a new victor in Lando Norris, a significant moment for McLaren and a shift in the established order.

The Details:

• Championship Standings: Lando Norris (McLaren) leads with a 12-point advantage over Max Verstappen (Red Bull). Oscar Piastri (McLaren) is in third, 16 points behind Norris.
• Title Scenario: A podium finish for Norris would secure his first F1 world championship.
• Practice Sessions: Norris topped both Friday practice sessions, demonstrating strong pace heading into qualifying. Piastri was 11th in FP2 after sitting out FP1.
• Pole Position Importance: Pole position has been crucial this season, with 15 out of 23 Grands Prix being won from the front of the grid, underscoring the significance of Saturday's qualifying.
• Qualifying Schedule: Qualifying begins at 6 PM local time (2 PM GMT) on Saturday, December 6th.
• Broadcast Information (UK):
  • Live Coverage: Sky Sports F1, with coverage starting at 1:15 PM GMT.
  • Highlights: Channel 4, broadcasting a 90-minute package at 6:35 PM GMT.
  • Radio: BBC Radio 5 Live Sports Extra, with coverage starting at 1:55 PM GMT.

The big picture:

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has a history of dramatic championship deciders, famously seen in 2010 when Sebastian Vettel snatched the title from Fernando Alonso and Mark Webber. The current ground-effect era, characterized by its unique aerodynamic principles, is concluding, making this race a final showcase for the current generation of F1 cars and setting the tone for future regulatory shifts. The battle between Norris, Verstappen, and Piastri highlights the increasing competitiveness at the sharp end of the grid.

What's next:

Qualifying on Saturday will be pivotal in determining the grid for Sunday's championship-deciding race. Given the importance of pole position this season, securing a strong starting position will be critical for all three title contenders. The weather forecast for qualifying is warm and dry, with air temperatures around 26°C, ensuring optimal track conditions for the twilight session. The outcome of qualifying will undoubtedly shape the strategies and expectations for the final race of a thrilling 2025 season.