No Updates for Red Bull, McLaren at F1 Season Finale in Abu Dhabi
Red Bull and McLaren, along with all other F1 teams, have opted not to bring any performance updates or new car parts to the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. With three drivers still in contention for the 2025 World Championship, the lack of new developments means the title fight will be decided solely by existing machinery, driver talent, and strategic execution at the Yas Marina Circuit.
Neither Red Bull nor McLaren, the two dominant forces vying for the 2025 F1 World Drivers' Championship, have brought any performance updates or new car parts to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The FIA's official car presentation submissions confirm that all ten teams will be running their existing packages for the season finale, leaving the championship battle to be decided purely on existing machinery and driver skill.
Why it matters:
This final race of the season holds immense significance, with three drivers still in contention for the 2025 F1 World Drivers' Championship. Lando Norris currently leads Max Verstappen by 12 points, with Oscar Piastri a close third, just 16 points behind Norris. The absence of new developments means the outcome will hinge entirely on race strategy, driver performance, and the inherent strengths of their current car packages.
The details:
- The FIA's car presentation submissions reveal that "no updates submitted for this event" next to all ten teams' names.
- This decision is partly influenced by an upcoming regulation change for the next season, making significant investment in current car development less appealing for a single race.
- Championship Standings Entering Abu Dhabi:
- P1: Lando Norris - 408 points
- P2: Max Verstappen - 396 points
- P3: Oscar Piastri - 392 points
- The Yas Marina Circuit will host a standard Grand Prix schedule, following the recent Sprint weekend format in Qatar.
What's next:
With no new technical advantages to be gained, the focus shifts entirely to the drivers and their teams' ability to extract maximum performance from their proven packages. The championship contenders will need to be flawless in practice, qualifying, and the race to secure the title.
- Friday, December 5th: Free Practice 1 (9:30 BST / 13:30 local) & Free Practice 2 (13:00 BST / 17:00 local)
- Saturday, December 6th: Free Practice 3 (10:30 BST / 14:30 local) & Qualifying (14:00 BST / 18:00 local)
- Sunday, December 7th: Race (13:00 BST / 17:00 local)
The absence of updates sets the stage for a pure test of skill and existing car performance, promising a thrilling conclusion to the 2025 F1 season.