Seven Key Learnings from F1's Abu Dhabi GP Media Day

Formula 1's highly anticipated title-deciding season finale in four years kicked off with a media day, offering crucial insights into the drivers' mindsets, team strategies, and ongoing controversies. From online abuse discussions to team order admissions, the Thursday sessions set the stage for a thrilling climax.

Why it matters:

After a tense and often controversial season, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is more than just a race; it's a battleground where championship aspirations will be realized or shattered. The insights from media day reveal the immense pressure on drivers and teams, highlighting the psychological and strategic dimensions that could ultimately decide the title. These behind-the-scenes glimpses underscore the human element in a high-stakes sport, from dealing with online vitriol to making difficult team decisions.

The Details:

• Antonelli's Abuse and Verstappen's Support: Kimi Antonelli received a barrage of online abuse, including death threats, after allegations he deliberately let Lando Norris pass in Qatar. He firmly denied the accusation, stating, "I was fighting for P3 at the end of the day." Antonelli revealed he received support from Red Bull and a direct message from Max Verstappen, who dismissed the abusers as "brainless." This highlights the severe impact of online toxicity on young drivers.
• Colapinto's Call for Accountability: Fellow F1 youngster Franco Colapinto echoed Antonelli's sentiments on online abuse, suggesting that prominent figures should be more cautious with post-race comments to avoid fueling hate. He even proposed that creating hate should be policed similar to how explicit language is penalized by the FIA, drawing attention to a potential double standard in regulations.
• McLaren's Team Order Shift: Despite repeated claims of not favoring one driver, McLaren has admitted the possibility of imposing team orders in Abu Dhabi. This move comes after a strategy blunder in Qatar, indicating a readiness to prioritize the championship if either Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri falls out of realistic contention. This could mean Piastri being asked to move aside for Norris to secure the title from Verstappen.
• Rivals Weigh in on the Title Fight: Most of the F1 grid views Norris as the championship favorite. Carlos Sainz, Norris's former teammate, called Abu Dhabi "a Lando track," citing Norris's exceptional performance there last year. Alex Albon and Charles Leclerc also backed Norris, while Gabriel Bortoleto supported Max Verstappen. Fernando Alonso offered a classic quip, stating that a world champion not being the season's best driver has "been happening for the last 19 years now."
• Tsunoda's 2025 Regret: Yuki Tsunoda expressed regret over missing out on a "pretty good fucking car in VCARB" for 2025, describing it as "like throwing away your kids, your baby" because of his significant contribution to its development. While he doesn't regret his move to Red Bull Racing, he acknowledges the difficulty this swap created for his 2026 prospects, as he couldn't negotiate with non-Red Bull teams until the decision was made.
• Hadjar's Verstappen Strategy: Isack Hadjar, a Red Bull junior, shared his approach to going up against Max Verstappen next season: accepting he will be slower initially. He believes previous Red Bull juniors failed by assuming they could immediately beat Verstappen, leading to a "snowball effect" of frustration. Hadjar's strategy is to "under-promise and then hopefully over-deliver," acknowledging the immense challenge.

What's next:

The discussions and revelations from media day underscore the intense atmosphere surrounding the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. As qualifying and the race unfold, the pressure will only intensify for Norris, Verstappen, and their respective teams. The outcomes will not only crown a champion but also reveal the true impact of team strategies, driver psychology, and the ability to perform under the ultimate spotlight, potentially setting new precedents for how online conduct and team dynamics are managed in Formula 1.