Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: Preview, Predictions, Race Schedule

Ero Samson

updated at February 13, 2024 at 11:54 AM

The 2023 Formula 1 season wraps up this weekend in Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates
Teams will be looking to end the season as high up as possible on the constructors’ standings
Sports Brief provides a preview and the key details ahead of the race at the Yas Marina Circuit

Join our WhatsApp channel to stay in the game and never miss a beat with our real-time updates.

The 2023 Formula 1 season concludes with the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, the United Arab Emirates, hosting the final event.

In contrast to previous races in the UAE, the upcoming edition holds minimal significance for the drivers' standings, as Max Verstappen and Red Bull Racing have asserted unprecedented dominance throughout the season.

However, Verstappen - having triumphed in 18 of the 21 races this season - would look to extend his win record to 19.

Formula 1, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix — Charles Leclerc, Max Verstappen, Red Bull's trackside infrastructure Group Leader, Olaf Janssen, and Sergio Perez pose for a group picture on the podium after the Abu Dhabi GP. Image: Karim Sahib.
Source: Getty Images

His teammate, Sergio Perez contributed to Red Bull's imprint on the season by securing the second spot in the drivers' standings with an impressive performance at the Las Vegas Grand Prix.

Tyrell Malacia's net worth, contract, Instagram, salary, age, stats, transfer news

Football

As the teams approach the 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with little left to contend for, Sports Brief provides a preview of the event.

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix schedule

The 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix spans from November 24 to 26, featuring various sessions and events over three days.

Friday, November 24

Practice One at 13:30 (GMT+4)

Practice Two at 17:00 (GMT+4)

Saturday, November 25

Practice Three at 14:30 (GMT+4)

Qualifying at 18:00 (GMT+4)

Sunday, November 26

Grand Prix at 17:00 (GMT+4)

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix preview

With 21 races completed and only one remaining, Verstappen has dominated the season, securing his third consecutive world drivers' title and winning 18 of the 2023 races.

Alongside his Red Bull team, the 26-year-old has set records, with only Ferrari managing to beat them this year.

Racingnews365 recently reported that the Dutch driver has eclipsed the record for the highest winning percentage in an F1 season.

Erling Haaland goals: 12 of the best goals by The Terminator

Football

The question now is whether anyone can disrupt the Austrian team's end-of-season celebration by winning the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix predictions

Race winner

The Abu Dhabi GP tends to be straightforward, making it challenging for anyone to dethrone Verstappen on this track. Perez, thanks to his recent impressive performances, also stands as a contender.

Surprise of the weekend

While Mercedes and McLaren traditionally outperformed Ferrari on conventional tracks, the Yas Marina Circuit may present a different scenario. Ferrari's SF23 car excels on straight lines and performs decently in slow-speed sections, making them a potential surprise team for a podium finish.

Key Battle - Mercedes vs. Ferrari

The battle for second place in the constructors' standings emerges as the significant fight at this Grand Prix. Mercedes, initially leading Ferrari by a considerable margin, now faces a close competition, with only four points separating the teams. The outcome could influence their development for the next season, reminiscent of the close battle in the previous season.

Uruguay's World Cup squad 2022: Which players represented Uruguay in this World Cup?

Football