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

Max Verstappen secured pole position for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, setting the stage for what could be his fifth Formula 1 world championship. The Red Bull driver dominated Q3 at Yas Marina Circuit, outpacing title rival Lando Norris by two-tenths of a second. Norris, however, only needs a podium finish to clinch his maiden title, with fellow contender Oscar Piastri starting third. George Russell, also showing strong pace this weekend, joins Piastri on the front row, promising a thrilling championship decider.

Why it matters:

This year's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is more than just a season finale; it's a winner-take-all showdown for the Formula 1 driver's championship. With multiple contenders still in the hunt, the race promises high stakes and intense competition, potentially marking a pivotal moment in the careers of Norris and Piastri, or further solidifying Verstappen's legacy.

The details:

• Race Date and Time: The 2025 F1 championship finale, the Abu Dhabi GP, kicks off on Sunday, December 7th, at 1 PM GMT (5 PM local time).
• UK Broadcast Information:
  • Live coverage is exclusively available through Sky Sports F1 in the United Kingdom.
  • Streaming options include NOW and Sky Go.
  • Sky Sports F1 costs £20 monthly, or a comprehensive Sky Sports package is available for £22 per month.
  • NOW offers a day membership for £14.99 or a monthly package starting from £28.
  • Race Day Coverage Start: Sky Sports F1's broadcast begins at 11 AM GMT, two hours before the race start.
• Highlights: Channel 4 will air highlights of the Abu Dhabi GP starting at 6 PM GMT on Sunday, December 7th. The program will run for 90 minutes.
• Radio Coverage: BBC Radio 5 Live will provide live radio commentary, with pre-race build-up commencing at 1 PM GMT.
• Weather Forecast: The race is expected to take place under very hot conditions, with temperatures around 30°C and only a 5% chance of rain. A gentle north-easterly breeze is also anticipated, with the race starting shortly after sunset.

The big picture:

Max Verstappen's pole position gives him a significant advantage, but the championship remains wide open. Lando Norris's strong qualifying performance means he controls his destiny with a podium finish. Oscar Piastri and George Russell's front-row starts add another layer of intrigue, ensuring that every position will be fiercely contested. The unique conditions of the Yas Marina Circuit, combined with the championship pressure, are set to deliver a memorable conclusion to the 2025 F1 season.

What's next:

All eyes will be on Sunday's race to see who will emerge as the 2025 Formula 1 World Champion. The start will be crucial, and pit stop strategies will play a vital role under the hot Abu Dhabi conditions. The championship battle is poised for a dramatic conclusion, with fans eagerly awaiting the outcome of this thrilling finale.