The 2025 Formula 1 season reaches its climax at the iconic Yas Marina Circuit for Round 24, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where the world championship will be decided in a three-way showdown. Max Verstappen’s victory in Qatar, coupled with second and fourth place finishes for Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, ensured all three remain in title contention heading into the final race.
Norris leads the standings with a 12-point advantage over Verstappen and a 16-point margin over Piastri, with 25 points still available on Sunday. It marks the first title decider at Yas Marina since 2021 — and one of the closest in recent years.
Race and Session Times (GMT)
The final weekend of the season features the traditional format, with three practice sessions before qualifying sets the grid for Sunday’s championship decider.
Friday, 5 December:
First Practice: 09:30–10:30
Second Practice: 13:00–14:00
Saturday, 6 December:
Third Practice: 10:30–11:30
Qualifying: 14:00–15:00
Sunday, 7 December:
Race: 13:00
Weather Forecast
Abu Dhabi is set for warm, calm conditions throughout the weekend. Temperatures are expected to reach around 26°C for Saturday’s qualifying session and 27°C for Sunday’s Grand Prix, with dry weather and light winds providing a stable platform for teams as they prepare for the title decider.
Championship Picture
Norris enters the final round knowing that a podium finish will guarantee him the world championship, regardless of what Verstappen or Piastri achieve behind him. Verstappen must win — or finish well ahead of the McLaren pair — to reclaim the title, while Piastri also remains mathematically alive but requires both rivals to falter.
With only 16 points separating the top three drivers, Abu Dhabi promises high tension, strategic nuance, and the possibility of late-race drama determining the 2025 champion.
What to Expect
The 5.28km Yas Marina Circuit offers a blend of technical corners, long straights, and opportunities for tactical variation. As day turns to night under floodlights, tyre management and track evolution will play key roles, particularly in qualifying and the early stages of the race.
McLaren aim to protect Norris’ lead while giving Piastri every chance to fight for the title, whereas Verstappen arrives with momentum after a strong win in Qatar. With three drivers still in striking distance and one race left to decide it all, Abu Dhabi sets the stage for a dramatic conclusion to an unforgettable season.
