The 2025 Formula One season is going down to the wire.
For the first time since 2021, the title will be decided in the final race in Abu Dhabi this weekend.
Lando Norris, Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri are still alive in the fight for the world championship, marking the first time since 2010 that more than two drivers have a chance in the finale.
Here’s everything to know for the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix:
When is the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and what time does it start?
The 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is set for Sunday, Dec. 7.
The race will begin at 5 a.m. PT.
What is the F1 Abu Dhabi TV schedule?
There will be three practice sessions and a qualifying session before the race, making for a busy three days in Abu Dhabi. Here’s the TV schedule and start times for each event:
Friday, Dec. 5
Free practice 1: 1:30 a.m. PT, ESPN2/ESPN+
Free practice 2: 5 a.m. PT, ESPNU/ESPN+
Saturday, Dec. 6
Free practice 3: 2:30 a.m. PT, ESPN2/ESPN+
Qualifying: 6 a.m. PT, ESPN2/ESPN+
Sunday, Dec. 7
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: 5 a.m. PT, ESPN/ESPN+
Yas Marina track layout, facts and history for F1 in Abu Dhabi
The Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi opened in 2009 and has been hosting F1 races ever since. The layout was slightly tweaked in 2021, remaining the same for the past four years. Here are some facts about the track and a look at the layout:
Length: 3.281 miles
Turns: 16
Grand Prix laps: 50 laps
First F1 race: 2009
Single-lap record: 1:25.637, Kevin Magnussen (2024)
Previous winners: Sebastian Vettel (2009-10, 2013), Lewis Hamilton (2011, 2014, 2016, 2018-19), Kimi Räikkönen (2012), Nico Rosberg (2015), Valtteri Bottas (2017), Max Verstappen (2020-23), Lando Norris (2024)
Formula 1
Formula 1
Here’s a look at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi for the F1 race.
F1 Abu Dhabi championship scenarios and predictions
Norris enters Abu Dhabi in position to win his first world championship — but Verstappen and Piastri are well within striking distance. Here’s how the title fight stacks up:
Lando Norris (McLaren), 408 points
Max Verstappen (Red Bull), 396 points (-12)
Oscar Piastri (McLaren), 392 points (-16)
The race winner earns 25 points, with 18 points for second, 15 for third, 12 for fourth, 10 for fifth, eight for sixth, six for seventh, four for eighth, two for ninth and one for tenth. So, Norris can clinch the title with a third-place finish regardless of his competitors. Verstappen and Piastri will need some help, even if they win. Here are all the scenarios:
Formula 1
Formula 1
These are all the scenarios for Lando Norris, Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri to win the world championship in 2025.
Based on recent form, Verstappen has been the driver to beat. He won the last two races in Las Vegas and Qatar, with Norris slipping. McLaren’s strategy has been suspect in recent weeks, with both cars being disqualified in Las Vegas and poor pit decisions dooming them in Qatar.
Still, McLaren does have the fastest car and should enter Abu Dhabi as the favorite. Norris won there last year after starting on pole, while Verstappen and Piastri collided in the first corner.
As for a podium prediction, let’s go with Verstappen winning again, Norris second and Piastri third — enough to give the 26-year-old Norris his first world championship.
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