The final F1 race in Abu Dhabi sees dry conditions but an unexpected twist: strong winds are forecast for Sunday. Gusts of up to 30 km/h could significantly challenge title contenders, impacting car aerodynamics and setup. Teams will need to meticulously prepare for these changing conditions, as the wind could be a crucial factor in determining the 2024 champion.
The opening day of the Abu Dhabi GP saw Max Verstappen's car concerns resolved, while Lewis Hamilton hopes to find pace in his Ferrari after a challenging start. Lando Norris led practice but remains cautious, and McLaren confirmed readiness to use team orders to secure the drivers' championship, setting the stage for an intense season finale.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown confirmed that Oscar Piastri is expected to follow team orders to help Lando Norris secure the F1 2025 title at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. With Norris leading Max Verstappen by 12 points, McLaren is prepared to shift its policy of driver equality to prioritize the team's best chance at winning the championship, emphasizing that both drivers are aware of the potential strategy.
Alpine has confirmed Paul Aron will remain its test and reserve driver for the 2026 F1 season, a crucial role as the team prepares for significant technical regulation changes. Aron's extensive simulator work, including testing the 2026 car, and his recent FP1 outings highlight his growing importance in the team's long-term development strategy. His continuity provides stability and deepens the team's understanding of the new car's development.
Lewis Hamilton reflects on his challenging yet "life-changing" first season with Ferrari, praising the team's spirit despite performance struggles. As the Abu Dhabi finale approaches, he emphasizes the valuable lessons learned and the team's collective focus on preparing for the significant 2026 regulation changes, aiming for shared success.
Charles Leclerc's Friday at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was a mixed bag, with the 'only positive' being the 'very special moment' of sharing the track with his younger brother, Arthur, in FP1. Despite this heartwarming family highlight, Ferrari continued to grapple with unexplained performance issues and slow race pace, leaving Leclerc frustrated but determined to find solutions before qualifying.
The F1 season finale in Abu Dhabi is set for an epic three-way title showdown between Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Oscar Piastri. While the paddock buzzes with excitement and most drivers pick sides, Verstappen remains remarkably calm, citing his four previous titles. In contrast, Norris and Piastri face immense pressure as they chase their maiden championships, setting the stage for a dramatic conclusion.
Fernando Alonso received a walking stick as a Secret Santa gift from Nico Hulkenberg, quickly going viral among F1 fans. The humorous present, a playful nod to Alonso's age, sparked widespread amusement on social media, highlighting the drivers' camaraderie ahead of the 2025 season finale in Abu Dhabi.
Lando Norris and McLaren kicked off the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend with a strong showing, hinting at a competitive edge. As the season finale progresses, all eyes are on whether they can maintain this momentum against formidable rivals.
McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri had a promising start to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend, with Norris showing strong pace in practice. Despite the positive results, both drivers remained cautious, emphasizing the need for further fine-tuning and optimization of their cars. They are focused on incremental improvements to contend in the final championship showdown.
Red Bull senior advisor Helmut Marko has voiced concerns about the team's car performance in Abu Dhabi, describing the situation as "not very comfortable" after Max Verstappen reported understeer and bouncing issues. With Lando Norris showing strong pace, Red Bull faces an urgent need to improve their car's setup to secure the championship and counter McLaren's threat.
Lando Norris led both practice sessions at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with Oscar Piastri also showing promising pace despite missing FP1. While Norris topped the charts, both McLaren drivers expressed cautious optimism, highlighting the need for further car refinements before Saturday's qualifying. Their performance this weekend is critical for their championship standings in a tightly contested season.
