Formula 1 moves from Lusail to the iconic Yas Marina Circuit for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this weekend, the 24th and final race of the 2025 season.
Practice sessions FP1 and FP2 will be held on Friday, December 5. FP3 and Qualifying are set for Saturday, December 6, followed by the championship-deciding Grand Prix on Sunday, December 7.
Key Track Facts:
- First race: 2009
- Circuit length: 5.281 km
- Lap record: 1:25.637 (Kevin Magnussen, Haas, 2024)
- Most pole positions: Lewis Hamilton (5)
- Most wins: Lewis Hamilton (5)
Fun fact: Vettel, Rosberg, and Verstappen all won their first F1 titles in Abu Dhabi
- Distance from pole to Turn 1 braking: 194m
- Overtakes in 2024: 96
- Safety Car chances: 38%
- Virtual Safety Car chances: 50%
- Pit stop time loss: 21 seconds
Driver’s Take on the Track:
Former Renault driver Jolyon Palmer says the circuit has improved over the years. The slow chicanes once found at Turns 5 and 9 are gone, making the layout much faster and better for racing.
He highlights strong overtaking chances in Turn 6 and again on the run to Turn 9.
But it’s the final part of the lap — especially the tricky triple right-hander at Turns 12, 13, and 14 — that demands precision. A small mistake can cost a big chunk of lap time.
Despite being the least enjoyable sector to drive, Palmer says it’s where the lap can be won or lost. With it being the last race of the season, the atmosphere is always special.
Recent Abu Dhabi Pole-Sitters:
- 2024 – Lando Norris
- 2023 – Max Verstappen
- 2022 – Max Verstappen
- 2021 – Max Verstappen
- 2020 – Max Verstappen
Recent Abu Dhabi Race Winners:
- 2024 – Lando Norris
- 2023 – Max Verstappen
- 2022 – Max Verstappen
- 2021 – Max Verstappen
- 2020 – Max Verstappen
Tyre Strategy Outlook:
According to Pirelli, Yas Marina used to cause tyre graining, but this has reduced with the current tyre compounds. This means even the soft tyre — normally used only in qualifying — could play a role in race strategy.
Key details from last year:
- Most drivers started on mediums.
- Lewis Hamilton was the only one to start on hards.
- A one-stop strategy using hards for the second stint was the quickest.
- Only Fernando Alonso in the top 10 stopped twice.
- One driver used soft tyres solely to chase the fastest lap.
- Tyre wear was low, even for those who pitted early.
Title Fight: The Final Showdown:
After 23 thrilling races, the season comes down to this finale.
Three drivers — each with seven wins this year — are separated by just 16 points:
- Lando Norris
- Oscar Piastri
- Max Verstappen
Norris needs only a podium to secure his first championship. Piastri is still in the fight. Verstappen, meanwhile, has staged a remarkable comeback, cutting a 104-point deficit to just 12 — and he has won four of the last five races at this track.
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Beyond the title battle, teams are fighting for key positions like P2 and P6 in the Constructors’ Championship, while drivers aim for higher places in the final standings.
A Look Back: A Classic Abu Dhabi Moment:
Abu Dhabi has hosted some unforgettable season finales, but the 2010 showdown stands out. Four drivers — Vettel, Webber, Alonso, and Hamilton — arrived with a shot at the title.
Vettel, trailing by 15 points, delivered a flawless drive to win the race and claim his first world championship. Meanwhile, Webber and Alonso got stuck in traffic, ending their title hopes.
It remains one of the most dramatic finales in Formula 1 history.