{"id":27656,"date":"2024-12-05T06:30:52","date_gmt":"2024-12-05T11:30:52","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/?p=27656"},"modified":"2024-12-05T06:30:52","modified_gmt":"2024-12-05T11:30:52","slug":"a-championship-decider-will-mark-the-2024-abu-dhabi-grand-prix","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/12\/05\/a-championship-decider-will-mark-the-2024-abu-dhabi-grand-prix\/","title":{"rendered":"A Championship Decider Will Mark the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>The 2024 F1 season concludes with the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which will take place from 6 to 8 December at the Yas Marina Circuit.<\/p>\n<h2>2024 F1 Season Finale: A Championship Battle and Farewells<\/h2>\n<p>It is hard to believe it is time to <a  href=\"https:\/\/www.skysports.com\/f1\/news\/12433\/13266632\/abu-dhabi-gp-permutations-for-mclaren-and-ferrari-as-they-bid-to-win-constructors-championship-at-final-race-of-2024-f1-season#:~:text=McLaren%20last%20won%20the%20Constructors,last%20title%20came%20in%202008.\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">bid farewell to the 2024 F1 season as we head to Abu Dhabi this weekend<\/a>. It has been an unmissable season with over 20 breaking news headlines, the end of Red Bull&#8217;s domination, and battles for the Drivers&#8217; and Constructors&#8217; Championships.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/11\/24\/max-verstappen-celebrates-fourth-formula-1-title-in-las-vegas\/\" target=\"_self\">Max Verstappen<\/a> secured the Drivers&#8217; Championship for Red Bull in Las Vegas.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/12\/01\/mclaren-ruin-first-match-point-against-ferrari\/\" target=\"_self\">Ferrari<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/12\/01\/george-russell-i-would-have-won-the-title-in-a-mclaren-or-red-bull\/\" target=\"_self\">McLaren<\/a> now prepare for a dramatic showdown at the Yas Marina circuit. The Maranello-based team aim to overturn a 21-point deficit to claim the season&#8217;s top prize.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">For the final time in a remarkable season&#8230;<\/p>\n<p>WE GO RACING \ud83d\udca8<a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/F1?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#F1<\/a> <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/AbuDhabiGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#AbuDhabiGP<\/a> <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/J27DagG1RI\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/J27DagG1RI<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Formula 1 (@F1) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/F1\/status\/1864243884370346094?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">December 4, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<h4>The Yas Marina Circuit: Skill and Strategy<\/h4>\n<p>To encourage overtaking, the Yas Marina Circuit offers a challenging 3.28-mile layout with 16 corners and two DRS zones.<\/p>\n<p>Drivers must complete 58 laps, covering 190.14 miles. With this, strategy and precision have important roles to play in the drivers&#8217; placing on the grid.<\/p>\n<p>High temperatures, forecasted to reach the mid-30s\u00b0C, will also make tyre management and cooling systems vital to success. On a weekend where everything is to play for, the 10 teams must get their set-ups correct.<\/p>\n<p><strong>READ MORE<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/12\/05\/f2-championship-set-for-thrilling-finale-in-abu-dhabi\/\" target=\"_self\">F2 Championship Set for Thrilling Finale in Abu Dhabi<\/a><\/p>\n<h4>McLaren and Ferrari Go Head-to-Head<\/h4>\n<p>McLaren lead Ferrari by 21 points, but with a maximum of 44 points available from the Grand Prix weekend, Ferrari remain firmly in contention.<\/p>\n<p>McLaren\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/11\/20\/lando-norris-ferrari-not-red-bull-are-main-constructors-threat\/\" target=\"_self\">Lando Norris<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/10\/28\/oscar-piastris-comeback-in-mexico-after-a-disastrous-qualifying\/\" target=\"_self\">Oscar Piastri<\/a> will need strong performances to fend off Ferrari\u2019s <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/11\/13\/charles-leclerc-i-am-sure-ferrari-will-be-next-world-champions\/\" target=\"_self\">Charles Leclerc<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/11\/21\/alex-albon-looking-forward-to-challenge-of-facing-carlos-sainz\/\" target=\"_self\">Carlos Sainz<\/a>, who have shown strong form in recent races.<\/p>\n<p>Sainz will also depart Ferrari for <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/11\/21\/from-crashes-to-comeback-williams-gear-up-for-las-vegas-gp\/\" target=\"_self\">Williams<\/a> after Abu Dhabi. What better way to say a final farewell to the team he has won three Grands Prix with, than helping them secure the Constructors&#8217; title? He would go down in Ferrari history.<\/p>\n<p>However, for Ferrari to take the Championship, they may need a one-two finish, as seen at the Circuit of the Americas earlier this year. McLaren, in response, would have to secure a podium and finish in the points with both cars while claiming the fastest lap bonus.<\/p>\n<p>The stakes could not be higher.<\/p>\n<h4>Midfield Battles: Alpine, Haas, and VCARB Fight for P6<\/h4>\n<p>Further down the grid, the battle for sixth in the Constructors&#8217; standings adds another layer of excitement to the weekend. <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/12\/04\/2025-f1-academy-lineup-nina-gademan-to-drive-for-alpine\/\" target=\"_self\">Alpine<\/a> lead <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/11\/25\/2025-f1-academy-lineup-courtney-crone-to-haas\/\" target=\"_self\">Haas<\/a> by five points, with <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/12\/02\/isack-hadjar-inches-closer-to-2025-vcarb-seat\/\" target=\"_self\">VCARB<\/a> trailing by eight.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/08\/02\/pierre-gasly-critical-of-alpine-not-good-enough\/\" target=\"_self\">Pierre Gasly<\/a>&#8216;s performance, alongside his teamwork with <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/12\/02\/do-alpine-owe-loyalty-to-esteban-ocon\/\" target=\"_self\">Esteban Ocon<\/a> in Brazil, furthered Alpine&#8217;s chances for the P6 spot, but Haas remains in the hunt.<\/p>\n<p>A double-point finish from <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/10\/24\/nico-hulkenberg-a-rollercoaster-journey-to-the-top-ten\/\" target=\"_self\">Nico H\u00fclkenberg<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/11\/01\/kevin-magnussen-emerges-as-late-contender-to-join-sauber\/\" target=\"_self\">Kevin Magnussen<\/a> could potentially tip the fight in their favour.<\/p>\n<p>Much like Sainz and Ferrari, this could be a bittersweet way for both drivers to say goodbye to Haas this weekend. Magnussen does not have a 2025 seat set in stone, while H\u00fclkenberg will debut for Sauber after an impressive 2024 season.<\/p>\n<p><strong>YOU MAY ASLO LIKE<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/12\/05\/emotional-goodbyes-why-the-2024-abu-dhabi-gp-will-be-emotional-for-teams-and-drivers\/\" target=\"_self\">Emotional Goodbyes: Why the 2024 Abu Dhabi GP Will be Emotional for Teams and Drivers<\/a><\/p>\n<h4>Jack Doohan Debut<\/h4>\n<p>In one final twist, <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/12\/01\/jack-doohan-could-replace-ocon-in-abu-dhabi\/\" target=\"_self\">Jack Doohan<\/a> will debut at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix for Alpine. He replaces Esteban Ocon who raced for the French team for the final time in Qatar.<\/p>\n<p>While this is a chance for the rookie to gain on-track experience before the 2025 season begins, it could be a way for the team to weigh up his skill against Franco Colapinto.<\/p>\n<p>Colapinto replaced Logan Sargeant at Williams in August and is currently without a confirmed 2025 seat. While he originally showed promise, Colapinto has suffered due to weather conditions, collisions he was not at fault for, and a Williams that cannot produce the results anybody aims for.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/11\/30\/franco-colapinto-alpine-still-in-negotiations-with-the-argentine\/\" target=\"_self\">Alpine supposedly have their eye on the Argentine<\/a>, and this race could be what determines <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/12\/03\/jack-doohan-f1-debut-overshadowed-by-colapinto-threat\/\" target=\"_self\">his future with them<\/a>.<\/p>\n<h4>It&#8217;s Time to Say Goodbye<\/h4>\n<p>The weekend also marks the end of several eras. Most notably, <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/12\/03\/lewis-hamiltons-legacy-in-formula-1-2014-the-dawn-of-a-dynasty\/\" target=\"_self\">Lewis Hamilton<\/a> completes his tenure with <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/11\/26\/valtteri-bottas-set-for-mercedes-return-as-reserve-driver\/\" target=\"_self\">Mercedes<\/a>. Their <a href=\"https:\/\/www.planetf1.com\/news\/this-is-really-it-lewis-hamilton-poignant-message-mercedes-abu-dhabi#:~:text=Lewis&#039;%20association%20with%20Mercedes%20goes,then%20finally%20Brixworth%20and%20Brackley.\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">26-year relationship will come to an emotional close<\/a>.<\/p>\n<p>Despite a challenging season, Hamilton and co will aim to deliver one last memorable performance under the Silver Arrows.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">Record-breaking. Historic. Iconic. Ready to write the final chapter together<\/p>\n<p>Thank you, Lewis <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/eVTlYpAe5y\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/eVTlYpAe5y<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 Mercedes-AMG PETRONAS F1 Team (@MercedesAMGF1) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/MercedesAMGF1\/status\/1863871043506499769?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">December 3, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>Elsewhere, Sainz will depart from Ferrari to make way for Hamilton. Magnussen and H\u00fclkenberg each leave Haas. The former will depart F1 for BMW\u2019s factory sportscar roster for 2025, while the latter will turn to Sauber.<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/11\/28\/valtteri-bottas-cadillac-f1-entry-is-good-news-for-2026\/\" target=\"_self\">Valtteri Bottas<\/a> and <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/12\/01\/zhou-guanyu-an-early-candidate-to-join-cadillac-f1\/\" target=\"_self\">Zhou Guanyu<\/a> will therefore part ways with <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/12\/01\/sauber-collect-first-points-in-2024-at-the-qatar-grand-prix\/\" target=\"_self\">Sauber<\/a>, with neither having a confirmed 2025 seat. With Mick Schumacher leaving as Mercedes&#8217; reserve driver, Bottas could return to his former team to remain on the grid.<\/p>\n<blockquote class=\"twitter-tweet\">\n<p dir=\"ltr\" lang=\"en\">\ud83d\udcf8 A special helmet with full of loved moments.<\/p>\n<p>It\u2019s been a pleasure <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/ValtteriBottas?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@ValtteriBottas<\/a>, loved every highs &amp; lows that we been through over the last 3 years, one last dance with <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/stakef1team_ks?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@stakef1team_ks<\/a>, let\u2019s enjoy it.<\/p>\n<p>Thanks to <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/BellRacingHQ?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@BellRacingHQ<\/a> \/ <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/KVDesign_helmet?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">@KVDesign_helmet<\/a> \ud83c\udfa8<a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/AbuDhabiGP?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#AbuDhabiGP<\/a> <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/hashtag\/TeamZHOU?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">#TeamZHOU<\/a> <a  href=\"https:\/\/t.co\/F3mBIZG1RW\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">pic.twitter.com\/F3mBIZG1RW<\/a><\/p>\n<p>\u2014 \u5468\u51a0\u5b87 | Zhou Guanyu \ud83c\udde8\ud83c\uddf3 (@ZhouGuanyu24) <a  href=\"https:\/\/twitter.com\/ZhouGuanyu24\/status\/1864266557586632806?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw\" target=\"_blank\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener noreferrer\">December 4, 2024<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n<p><script async src=\"https:\/\/platform.twitter.com\/widgets.js\" charset=\"utf-8\"><\/script><\/p>\n<p>While nothing is confirmed, <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/11\/29\/jenson-button-delivers-verdict-on-sergio-perezs-future\/\" target=\"_self\">Sergio P\u00e9rez&#8217;s performance <\/a>this season could see the Mexican driver depart from Red Bull. This could make way for a <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/11\/23\/yuki-tsunoda-i-know-what-i-could-do-in-a-red-bull\/\" target=\"_self\">Yuki Tsunoda<\/a> or <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/11\/06\/liam-lawson-receives-boost-in-red-bull-contract-hopes\/\" target=\"_self\">Liam Lawson<\/a> debut for the Austrian team in 2025.<\/p>\n<h4>2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Schedule<\/h4>\n<table>\n<thead>\n<tr>\n<th><strong>Event<\/strong><\/th>\n<th><strong>Date<\/strong><\/th>\n<th><strong>Local Time (UTC+4)<\/strong><\/th>\n<th><strong>UK Time (GMT)<\/strong><\/th>\n<\/tr>\n<\/thead>\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td>Free Practice 1<\/td>\n<td>6 December<\/td>\n<td>13:30<\/td>\n<td>09:30<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Free Practice 2<\/td>\n<td>6 December<\/td>\n<td>17:00<\/td>\n<td>13:00<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Free Practice 3<\/td>\n<td>7 December<\/td>\n<td>14:30<\/td>\n<td>10:30<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Qualifying<\/td>\n<td>7 December<\/td>\n<td>18:00<\/td>\n<td>14:00<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td>Grand Prix<\/td>\n<td>8 December<\/td>\n<td>17:00<\/td>\n<td>13:00<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>As the thrilling 2024 season closes, all eyes turn to Yas Island. Will McLaren secure glory for the first time since 1998, or will Ferrari complete a comeback to take their next Constructors&#8217; title after their 2008 win?<\/p>\n<p>Could Hamilton bow out with a final flourish? Will Haas bid farewell to their drivers with a P6 placing? The answers await under the lights of Abu Dhabi.<\/p>\n<p><strong>READ NEXT<\/strong>: <a href=\"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/2024\/12\/04\/2025-f1-academy-lineup-nina-gademan-to-drive-for-alpine\/\" target=\"_self\">2025 F1 Academy Lineup: Nina Gademan to Drive for Alpine<\/a><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>The 2024 F1 season concludes with the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which will take place from 6 to 8 December at the Yas Marina Circuit. 2024 F1 Season Finale: A Championship Battle and Farewells It is hard to believe it is time to bid farewell to the 2024 F1 season as we head [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5233,"featured_media":27729,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_lmt_disableupdate":"no","_lmt_disable":"","sfio_featured_image":false,"sfio_embed_code":"","_ef_editorial_meta_date_first-draft-date":"","_ef_editorial_meta_paragraph_assignment":"","_ef_editorial_meta_checkbox_needs-photo":"","_ef_editorial_meta_number_word-count":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[2,4],"tags":[2220,339,1567,343,84,1818,1694,76,66,2260,345,72],"class_list":["post-27656","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-featured","category-formula-1","tag-2024-formula-1-season","tag-abu-dhabi-grand-prix","tag-alpine","tag-carlos-sainz","tag-ferrari","tag-franco-colapinto","tag-jack-doohan","tag-lewis-hamilton","tag-mclaren","tag-rb","tag-sauber","tag-sergio-perez"],"modified_by":"Nicole Powell","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27656","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/5233"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=27656"}],"version-history":[{"count":2,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27656\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":27730,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/27656\/revisions\/27730"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/27729"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=27656"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=27656"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/motorsports\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=27656"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}