F1 Abu Dhabi GP: Title Decider, Schedule, and How to Watch
The 2025 Formula 1 season culminates in a thrilling three-way title fight at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix between Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Oscar Piastri. This decisive race marks the first final-day championship decider since 2021, with Norris leading the standings. The article details broadcast information, the hot and dry weather forecast, and the high stakes for all contenders as they battle for glory.
The 2025 Formula 1 world title comes down to this weekend's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Oscar Piastri all vying for the championship. It marks the first time since 2021 that the F1 championship will be decided on the final day, promising an enthralling conclusion to the season.
Why it matters:
After a season of intense competition, the Abu Dhabi GP represents a thrilling winner-takes-all showdown, with three drivers having a mathematical chance at the title. This finale echoes the dramatic 2021 season, where Max Verstappen secured his first championship. Now, Verstappen seeks his fifth, while McLaren teammates Norris and Piastri chase their maiden titles, highlighting a significant shift in the competitive landscape and the high stakes involved for all contenders.
The details:
- Championship Standings: Lando Norris currently leads the driver standings with 408 points, holding a 12-point advantage over Max Verstappen (396 points) and a 16-point lead over Oscar Piastri (392 points).
- Broadcast Information:
- United Kingdom: Sky Sports is the exclusive live broadcaster, with streaming available via Sky Go or Now TV. Channel 4 will air highlights.
- United States: ESPN will broadcast the event for the final time before Apple takes over in 2026.
- Global Coverage: Extensive broadcast options are available across Europe (e.g., Servus TV/ORF, Canal+, Sky Sports DE/IT), Americas (RDS/TSN, ESPN LatAm), Asia (e.g., Fuji TV, DAZN, beIN SPORTS), Oceania (Fox Sports, Sky NZ), and Africa (SuperSport).
- Weather Forecast: The weekend is expected to be hot and dry, typical for Abu Dhabi.
- Friday (Practice 1 & 2): Cloudy conditions are expected, with temperatures around 28°C and high humidity (41-42%).
- Saturday (Practice 3 & Qualifying): Clear blue skies are forecast. FP3 temperatures will be around 29°C, dropping to 26°C for qualifying at 6 PM local time, with humidity rising from 37% to 54%.
- Sunday (Race Day): Hot and dry conditions will persist, with the race starting at 5 PM local time. Temperatures will be around 29°C, 38% humidity, and almost no chance of rain.
The big picture:
This season finale is not just about the drivers' championship but also reinforces McLaren's incredible resurgence, with both Norris and Piastri in contention. Red Bull, while having a driver in the fight, faces a challenge unlike recent years where Verstappen dominated. The constructors' championship also sees McLaren leading with 800 points, followed by Mercedes (459) and Red Bull (426), underscoring McLaren's strong overall performance this year.
What's next:
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will crown the 2025 Formula 1 World Champion, bringing an end to what has been one of the most unpredictable and exciting seasons in recent memory. The outcome will set the tone for the off-season and provide significant momentum for the winning driver and team heading into the 2026 regulatory changes.