Formula 1 Finale at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: Preview, Predictions, and Race Schedule
- Rohan Singh
- Dec 5
- 4 min read
ROHAN SINGH - STAFF WRITER
As the sun sets on the Yas Marina Circuit, Formula 1 has already completed two practice sessions for what is going to be the final race this season. The sport will take a long break before racing commences again in a new style in 2026. However, there is still a question left unanswered – the drivers' championship is yet to find its victor.
Heading into the final race of the 2025 season, Lando Norris leads the championship with 408 points, with Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing in second place with 396 points and Norris’ teammate, Oscar Piastri, further back with 392 points in third position. In a simple breakdown, Lando Norris clinches his maiden championship with a podium, while a Max Verstappen victory with Norris finishing 4th or worse would complete the Red Bull driver's remarkable comeback. Formula 1 fans have been strangers to a championship fight for the past few years, and it is no surprise that the drama and tension that has built up in 2025 is something they were craving badly.
To summarize it all, there are three title contenders for the first time in a finale since 2010, and two of them are from the same team. While Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri navigate their intra-team rivalry for their first title, Max Verstappen is gearing up for his fifth straight title at Red Bull Racing in Formula 1.
What to Expect from the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
The F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is no stranger to title fights and legendary championship battles. In fact, only a few years ago, the entire Formula 1 community witnessed a once-in-a-lifetime driver’s championship fight between Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen in 2021 that came down to the final lap.
Abu Dhabi promises more than pomp and grandeur. It has been the final F1 race for many years on the F1 schedule. The Yas Marina circuit is designed to be a driver’s dream for overtaking opportunities. The slow-speed corners right after a 1.2 km straight will be unforgiving to the risk-takers with the slightest of mistakes.
So when it comes to racing action, the Yas Marina circuit is no slouch. It has plenty of opportunities for the ones willing to commit to it.
Race Prediction: Our Picks for This Weekend’s Victor
Now, there are numerous permutations and combinations which are taking place in an average F1 fan’s mind right now. After all, the three title contenders have a rather competitive, if not equal, chance to claim the coveted prize.
With the amount of caliber displayed by Oscar Piastri, it is safe to say that the Aussie is back to what he does best – win and dominate with the right team strategy. The first two practice sessions from Friday gave us an idea of who is leading the pace at Yas Marina. Lando Norris and Max Verstappen were topping the timesheets with Norris being the better driver on Friday.
However, when it comes to racing and qualifying, there is a lot of speculation regarding the same. Only Saturday’s FP3 session will provide a real conclusion to these hints and rumors.
Needless to say, I believe that Lando Norris is going to win the championship from his teammate, and Max Verstappen. But, he is not going to be the one who wins the race. The Dutchman should be the race winner this Sunday and lose out by a fraction of points. Unfortunately, Piastri’s performance last weekend was still not convincing enough to put him in a position to win the race and the championship.
FULL STAFF CHAMPION PREDICTIONS:
Rohan Singh: Lando Norris
Eddie Kalegi: Max Verstappen
Adam Tropper: Max Verstappen
Tim Moore: Lando Norris
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Race Schedule and Broadcast Information
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix race weekend is already underway at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. The Qualifying session for the race is set to take place on Saturday, December 6 from 6:00 PM track time. Fans from the United States can watch the session from 9:00 AM Eastern Time.
The F1 race is going to be 58 laps long around the 5.281 km long circuit. The race is going to take place on Sunday from 8:00 AM Eastern Time for the audience in the United States.
Fans can use the F1 TV app with a Pro or Premium subscription to watch the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix live on their mobile devices or tune in to their respective broadcasters in their region to watch it on television. The American telecast will be available on ESPN.
All hands are on deck for the exciting and rather nerve-wracking action this Sunday. Tune in on time if you do not want to miss the opening lap shenanigans and the dogfight between the three championship contenders battling it out for the coveted trophy.
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