Five Key Storylines for the F1 Abu Dhabi GP Finale

The 2024 Formula 1 season culminates in Abu Dhabi, promising a thrilling finale with the Drivers' Championship still undecided and crucial midfield battles underway. McLaren's Lando Norris leads Red Bull's Max Verstappen by 12 points, with Oscar Piastri a further four points behind, setting the stage for a dramatic showdown. Beyond the title fight, several narratives will unfold, including the intense constructors' battle for lucrative prize money, a surprising rookie performance potentially overshadowing a veteran, the farewell to the current ground-effect car era, and Yuki Tsunoda's final F1 race.

Why it matters:

• The Abu Dhabi GP isn't just the season closer; it's a make-or-break race that will crown a Drivers' Champion and significantly impact team standings, with millions of dollars in prize money at stake. For drivers like Yuki Tsunoda, it marks a career-defining moment, while for others like Andrea Kimi Antonelli, it signals a potential changing of the guard.
• This race also signifies a technical farewell, as it's the last time current ground-effect F1 cars will compete before major regulatory changes in 2026, altering the sport's technical landscape.

The details:

• Drivers' Championship Decider: Lando Norris leads Max Verstappen by 12 points, with Oscar Piastri a close third. Norris needs a top-three finish to secure his first title, but Verstappen's recent momentum (five wins in the last eight races) makes him a formidable challenger. McLaren's past strategic errors could also play a role.
• Midfield Constructors' Battle: Positions six through nine in the constructors' standings are incredibly tight, with Racing Bulls, Aston Martin, Haas, and Sauber separated by small margins. Each position represents approximately $10 million in prize money, making this a high-stakes financial battle for teams looking to gain an edge in future seasons.
• Antonelli vs. Hamilton: Mercedes rookie Andrea Kimi Antonelli is just two points behind seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, who he is set to replace at Mercedes in 2025. Antonelli's strong recent form (53 points in four races) contrasts sharply with Hamilton's struggles (six points over the same period), making a potential overtake in the standings a significant storyline.
• Farewell to Ground-Effect Cars: The 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix marks the final race for the current generation of ground-effect F1 cars. New regulations in 2026 will introduce lighter, smaller cars with a near 50-50 split between electrical and internal combustion power, fundamentally changing the sport's technical approach.
• Yuki Tsunoda's F1 Swan Song: Following Red Bull's driver lineup announcement, Yuki Tsunoda will conclude his five-season F1 career, moving to a reserve driver role. He will be aiming to replicate his career-best fourth-place finish from 2021 in Abu Dhabi to end his full-time stint on a high note.

What's next:

After the final checkered flag in Abu Dhabi, the F1 world will immediately shift its focus to the 2025 season and beyond. The outcomes of this race will not only crown champions and settle team standings but also provide crucial momentum for drivers and teams heading into the next competitive cycle. The insights gained from the performance of the current ground-effect cars will also be vital as teams prepare for the significant regulatory overhaul in 2026.