The stage is set for the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with all 10 teams arriving at Yas Marina Circuit for the final race of the 2024 season. Coming just days after the Qatar Grand Prix—where Max Verstappen clinched his ninth win of the season—the Abu Dhabi GP promises high stakes and intense competition as the record-breaking race calendar draws to a close.
Although Verstappen and Red Bull secured the drivers’ title in Las Vegas, the battle for the 2024 World Constructors’ Championship remains unresolved. With over 170,000 fans expected to attend—the largest crowd in the event’s history—the season finale will be nothing short of thrilling.
Constructors’ Championship Battle
McLaren and Ferrari are locked in a fierce fight for the top spot in the constructors’ standings, with only 21 points separating them. McLaren, bolstered by the strong performances of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, leads Ferrari, who last claimed a constructors’ title in 2008. Meanwhile, Red Bull appears secure in third place, comfortably ahead of Mercedes.
Carlos Sainz, set to leave Ferrari for Williams after this race, remains optimistic about Ferrari’s chances. “We’re going to give it our best shot. Nothing to lose. We’ll throw everything into making sure we give ourselves the best chance,” he said. Ferrari boss Fred Vasseur echoed this sentiment, vowing the team would “fight until the last corner of the last lap.”
A Weekend of Farewells
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will mark the end of an era for several drivers and teams. Lewis Hamilton will compete in his final race for Mercedes, ending a 26-year partnership. After achieving seven championships and 105 wins with the team, Hamilton is set to join Ferrari at the end of the month.
“This weekend is a celebration of everything we’ve accomplished together,” said Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff. “We will honour this unparalleled story in Abu Dhabi and beyond, knowing Lewis will always be a part of our family.”
Hamilton, who has won twice this season, expressed determination to end on a high note despite recent setbacks in Qatar. “I’m still standing. It’s not how you fall; it’s how you get back up,” the 39-year-old remarked.
The race will also feature farewells for Carlos Sainz (Ferrari), Kevin Magnussen (Haas), and Esteban Ocon (Alpine), among others. Australian driver Jack Doohan will make his F1 debut for Alpine, replacing Ocon, while Haas and Sauber also prepare to bid goodbye to several drivers as they embrace a new wave of talent in 2025.
Verstappen and the FIA in the Spotlight
Max Verstappen, chasing his 10th win of the season, remains the man to beat. Despite securing his fourth consecutive championship last month, Verstappen will aim to finish the season on a high note. Meanwhile, the governing FIA faces scrutiny over recent race direction and stewarding decisions, which have drawn criticism from teams and media alike.
Red Bull is also navigating significant changes, with team figures like Jonathan Wheatley, the incoming Sauber/Audi team principal, and top designer Adrian Newey departing. Speculation surrounds the future of Verstappen’s teammate Sergio Perez, who underperformed this season despite having a contract through 2025.
A Spectacular Conclusion
As the Yas Marina floodlights illuminate the final chequered flag of the season, the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix promises to deliver drama, celebration, and a glimpse into the future of Formula 1. Whether it’s McLaren or Ferrari breaking a 15-year championship drought, farewells to legendary drivers, or the emergence of new talent, this season finale is set to be one for the history books.
