McLaren wrapped up the constructors’ championship after the Singapore Grand Prix in mid-September, but both their stars remain in the running for the drivers’ title.
His team-mate Piastri was the odds-on favourite to take the top prize early in the season after he crossed the line first in four of the season’s first six races. His form had faded late in the season, though, and reigning four-time champion Verstappen has now usurped him on the leaderboard.
The Dutchman, in the hunt for his fifth consecutive title, has made a remarkable charge in the late stages of the season to put himself back in contention, winning five of the last eight races – including in Qatar.
A four-time winner in Abu Dhabi, Verstappen could yet pip Norris to the post, but the Briton holds most of the cards. With a 12-point advantage to Verstappen and a 16-point lead over Piastri, the title is his for the taking.
When is the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?
The Yas Marina Circuit will host the race.
Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina circuit plays host to yet another F1 season finale
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Abu Dhabi Grand Prix start time
The first two practice sessions took place on Friday. FP3 and qualifying were both on Saturday.
Lights out at the grand prix is scheduled for 1pm GMT on Sunday, which is 5pm local time.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix grid order
1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
2. Lando Norris (McLaren)
3. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
4. George Russell (Mercedes)
5. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
6. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
7. Gabriel Bortoleto (Kick Sauber)
9. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls)
10. Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull)
11. Oliver Bearman (Haas)
12. Carlos Sainz (Williams)
13. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls)
14. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
15. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
16. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
17. Alex Albon (Williams)
18. Nico Hulkenberg (Kick Sauber)
19. Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
20. Franco Colapinto (Alpine)
McLaren’s Norris leads the championship heading into the final race of the season. His points tally sits at 408, with Verstappen close behind on 396 and Piastri following on 392.
For Norris, the task is relatively simple: finish on the podium, win the world title.
Norris can also win with a finish between fourth and sixth, provided neither Verstappen nor Piastri win the race.
Good omen? Lando Norris won at Yas Marina in 2024
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If Norris finishes in seventh or eighth, he can still win the title if Verstappen finishes no higher than third, and Piastri no higher than second.
The Briton will have big problems, though, if he finishes ninth or below. In that case, his title dreams would rely on Verstappen finishing fourth or below, and Piastri third or below.
Verstappen can clinch his fifth drivers’ championship with a race win, so long as Norris finishes fourth or lower.
Piastri has the slimmest odds of victory of the three title contenders. A race win in Abu Dhabi will be enough to deliver the title if Norris finishes sixth or below. If Piastri finishes second, he would need Norris to finish 10th at best, with Verstappen off the podium.
How to watch Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
TV channel: Every session from the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is available to watch live in the UK on Sky Sports’ dedicated F1 channel. Coverage of the grand prix on Sunday begins from noon GMT, ahead of lights out at 1pm.
Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers can also watch the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix live online via the Sky Go app. It is also available to stream via NOW.
Free highlights: Channel 4 will show free-to-air highlights of the race at 6pm GMT on Sunday.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weather forecast
Few will be surprised to learn that warm and dry conditions are anticipated for this desert grand prix.
Sunny, humid conditions are expected on race day, with a high of 29°C and a low of 19°.
