Following the night races in Las Vegas and Qatar, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will round off a thrilling 2025 Formula 1 season for the 14th time, eager to crown the fifth world champion in its history, the first since Max Verstappen won his first of four titles in 2021, this weekend.
The Yas Marina Circuit, spanning 5.281 km (3.281 mi) and featuring 16 turns over 58 laps, will host the twilight race for the 17th time since 2009, bringing the season to a close in the current Formula One regulatory era.
Track highlights include a 1.2km straight offering unique overtaking opportunities between Turns 5 and 6, both low-speed corners.
Temperatures drop significantly after sunset, changing track conditions, affecting tire management, which is crucial to performance.
Circuit Upgrades
According to the FIA, the track has been resurfaced between Turn 1 and Turn 4. Also, a new patch of asphalt has been placed to remove a bump at the exit of Turn 6 on the right-hand side.
In addition, the kerbs have been ground at the apex of Turns 4 and 6.
Furthermore, the debris fences at the exit of Turns 1 and 3, both on the left, have been extended, and a new debris fence has been installed at Turn 16 on the left as well.
And the Tecpro barrier at the exit of Turn 3 on the left has been extended, as has the guardrail after Turn 5 on the left.
The Last Chapter
A fierce battle for the 2025 FIA Formula One Drivers’ Championship between McLaren’s Lando Norris, teammate Oscar Piastri, and Red Bull Racing Max Verstappen goes down to the last race of the year.
The margins between the title contenders are the finest of the season; Norris leads with 408 points, just 12 points clear of the Dutchman, while Piastri stands 16 points behind the Briton, who will be crowned champion if he finishes on the podium.
In the hunt for his fifth consecutive crown at the pinnacle of motorsport, Verstappen will need to emulate the heroics of last weekend’s victory in Qatar and hope Norris finishes outside the top three.
Since the summer break, the 28-year-old erased a 104-point deficit to former championship leader Piastri, remaining in contention against the odds.
Following wins in Italy, Azerbaijan, the United States, and Las Vegas (previously won in Japan and Emilia-Romagna), the defending champion closed the gap, tying Piastri at 366 points with Norris atop on a 390-point tally.
After claiming his 70th F1 triumph at the Qatar Grand Prix, Verstappen stands second in the overall drivers’ standings with 396 points.
Assessing his chances after the race, less than a week ago, he outlined: “It is all possible now. On pure pace, we will not win in Abu Dhabi; we will need something like today or a bit more luck.
“We have to be realistic about that, but we will see, it keeps things exciting. I am not worrying too much about it.”
Meanwhile, the Australian driver has to win the race, and his teammate has to cross the finish line in sixth place or worse for him to capture a maiden title. Other variables are possible but less likely.
Ahead of Round 24, Piastri commented: “Qatar was one of my strongest weekends in F1. The aim for Abu Dhabi is to replicate that and do everything I can to win the race.
“I will give it my all and make sure I leave no points on the table in this final race.”
Each of them has collected seven wins throughout an eventful campaign.
McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella remarked: “We will do everything possible to put our drivers in the best position to win the title, continuing to pursue our way of approaching racing, with the aim of bringing back to McLaren a double World Championship that has been missing for 27 years.”
The Papaya outfit has been dominant this season, securing the Constructors’ title with six races remaining.