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Abu Dhabi GP Preview | Championship and important money on the line
It seems like the current season began just yesterday in Bahrain, but it is now coming to an end with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. After 23 Grands Prix weekends have been completed, the constructors' championship is still on the line for two teams, while Lewis Hamilton will also drive for Mercedes for one final time.
McLaren vs Ferrari showdown
Similarly to 2023, Ferrari will be once again involved in a final battle, but unlike last year, the biggest prize is up for grabs for the Maranello-based team. In total, a team could earn 44 points next weekend, and at the moment, Ferrari are 21 behind McLaren after the chaotic Qatar GP. It will not be straightforward victory for the Woking-based side, as Ferrari could end up gaining on them at the track they feared the most, the Losail International Circuit.
Moreover, not only these four drivers are running for a victory. As always, even with the drivers' championship secured, Max Verstappen would hardly be satisfied with anything but crossing the finish line in first position at the Yas Marina Circuit. Especially during the Sprint, George Russell showed he was capable of staying close to the leading pack, and Lewis Hamilton wants to finish spending more than a decade with Mercedes on a high note.
If Ferrari were to claim a one-two finish the way they did at COTA, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri would need to score 24 points at least to remain in the lead. In that case one of them has to finish third, with the other finishing sixth, and McLaren would also have to secure the additional point for the fastest lap. Finishing fourth and fifth with the extra point included would not be enough, as Ferrari would have won one more Grand Prix in this case.
Battle for P6
Entering the final weekend, Alpine have 59, Haas have 54 and VCARB have 46 points in the constructors' standings. Pierre Gasly's strong result in Qatar might just be enough for the French team. Given that the seven Grand Prix winners of the year would have no trouble, Haas have to finish in P8 and P9 to overtake their rivals.
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