Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: The Final Showdown for the Constructors’ Championship
After a grueling 23-race season, Formula 1 has arrived at its grand finale in Abu Dhabi. The stakes couldn’t be higher as the constructors’ championship is set to be decided at the Yas Marina Circuit this Sunday. With an estimated $140 million (£106m) in prize money on the line, the battle between McLaren and Ferrari promises to be nothing short of electrifying.
As the sun sets on the 2024 season, fans are bracing for a weekend packed with drama, farewells, and high-octane racing. But the big question remains: will McLaren hold onto their 21-point lead, or can Ferrari pull off a miracle to snatch the title?
Emotional Farewells and Big Moves
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will also mark the end of an era for several drivers and teams. Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time world champion, will bid an emotional goodbye to Mercedes before his highly anticipated move to Ferrari in 2025. Meanwhile, Carlos Sainz will race for Ferrari one last time before joining Williams next season. Over at Alpine, Esteban Ocon has already unknowingly completed his final race for the team, as rookie Jack Doohan steps in for the season finale.
It’s not just team changes making headlines. Several drivers are set to leave Formula 1 altogether. Kevin Magnussen (Haas), Valtteri Bottas, and Zhou Guanyu (Sauber) will all depart the grid. And in a move that has been widely speculated, sources have confirmed that Sergio Pérez will leave Red Bull at the end of the season.
Who Will Win the Constructors’ Championship?
McLaren enters the weekend as the clear favorite, holding a 21-point lead over Ferrari. With a maximum of 44 points up for grabs on Sunday (first, second, and fastest lap), Ferrari faces a monumental challenge. To claim the title, Ferrari must secure a one-two finish and hope McLaren either fails to score or finishes with at least one car in sixth place or lower. It’s a tall order, but stranger things have happened in Formula 1.
For McLaren, the key will be avoiding complacency. As ESPN’s Nate Saunders warns, the team must stay sharp and focused to fend off Ferrari’s last-ditch effort. With so much on the line, the pressure is immense, and mistakes could prove costly for either team.
Latest News from the Paddock
- Sergio Pérez is set to leave Red Bull at the end of the 2024 season, according to sources.
- F1 could expand to 12 teams in 2026, with Cadillac joining the grid, as confirmed by the FIA president.
- Esteban Ocon has been replaced by Jack Doohan for the Abu Dhabi GP, with Ocon expressing disappointment over his abrupt exit from Alpine.
- Lewis Hamilton’s struggles at Mercedes are reportedly not a concern for his future team, Ferrari, according to team boss Fred Vasseur.
- FIA president Mohammed Ben Sulayem has told drivers to “mind their own business” after questions arose about race fines and governance issues.
Yas Marina Circuit: A Stage for History
Yas Marina Circuit, located on Yas Island near Abu Dhabi, has been a staple of the F1 calendar since 2009. Built at a reported cost of $1.32 billion, the track has hosted more season finales than any other circuit in F1 history. Memorable championship showdowns in 2010, 2014, 2016, and 2021 have cemented its reputation as a venue for high-stakes drama.
The circuit features 58 laps of a 5.2km layout, totaling 306km. The lap record of 1:26.103 was set by Max Verstappen in 2021. Lewis Hamilton holds the record for most wins at Yas Marina with six victories, while Verstappen has dominated in recent years, winning every race here since 2020.
What Happened Last Year?
In 2023, Verstappen capped off the most dominant season in F1 history with his 19th victory of the year at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. George Russell finished second, with Charles Leclerc completing the podium. Mercedes edged out Ferrari by just three points to secure second place in the constructors’ championship.
Who’s Going to Win?
Predicting the winner of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is no easy task. While McLaren and Ferrari are locked in a fierce battle for the constructors’ title, Red Bull and Mercedes have also shown flashes of brilliance in recent races. However, their performances have been inconsistent, leaving the door open for surprises.
Ferrari and McLaren have been more stable in recent weeks, and their cars seem well-suited to the Yas Marina layout. But with so much pressure on both teams, mistakes could easily creep in. If that happens, don’t be surprised if Verstappen capitalizes on the chaos to claim his 10th victory of the season.
How to Watch the Abu Dhabi GP
Fans in the U.S. can catch the action live on ESPNEWS and ESPN+. In the U.K., coverage will be available on Sky Sports F1 and BBC Radio 5 Live. For the latest news, analysis, and updates, follow ESPN’s F1 team on social media and at Yas Marina.
Friday Schedule:
- Free Practice 1: 09:30-10:30 GMT
- Free Practice 2: 13:00-14:00 GMT
Originally Written by: Nate Saunders
