Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Preview: Final Formula 1 Race – 4 Things To Watch

This Abu Dhabi Grand Prix preview is an amalgamation of a turbulent season following the slow starting 2019 Formula 1 season. But with this eventful back half of the F1 schedule, the final event at The Yas Marina Circuit still yet has some things to decide. Below is a list of some of the major events that round 21 will determine.

Best Of The Rest

The race for best of the rest, or Formula 1.5 as it’s affectionately known, is between just three drivers now. Pierre Gasly’s incredible Brazil performance has tied him up at 95 points with McLaren’s Carlos Sainz who himself had his first ever podium in Brazil. The third driver in contention for Best Of The Rest is Alex Albon who was on pace for his first ever podium but was taken out by Lewis Hamilton on the penultimate lap. He trails Gasly and Sainz by 11 points – an amount that can be overcome in one race, though it will require a mighty effort from the rookie Thai driver.

Top Ten In The Drivers Championship

While the battle ensues for P6, there’s another battle boiling over for who can land in the final spots in the coveted top 10 on the drivers points list. As of now, Sergio Perez sits P10 in fron tof Lando Norris by a single point and holding off former world champion Kimi Raikkonen by just 3 points. With Daniel Ricciardo up to P9 with 54 points, he seems relatively secure to finish the season with Renault F1 in the top 10. Lando’s lack of reliability puts him at risk in Abu Dhabi but the pace of the McLaren when it does finish is strong. I wouldn’t count out the rookie. Checo, having agreed to a long-term deal with Racing Point has performed well for the season and arguably outperformed his car. If he finishes P10, it’ll be well deserved.

Drivers Championship Podium

The final spot on the podium for the drivers championship hasn’t totally been locked up by the Red Bull superstar, Max Verstappen. While he sits comfortable in P3 with 260 points leading into the Yas Marina Circuit, he can be chased down by none other than Charles Leclerc. After Ferrari’s double DNF in Brazil, he will be after the Dutchman from FP1. You can find the trailer to the Formula 1 original video content below.

Saying Goodbye To Kubica & Hulk… For Now

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will not only be the final race before we usher in the 2020 Formula 1 season, but we also wave goodbye to Robert Kubica and Nico Hulkenberg. Neither have secured a spot for the 2020 season as Williams F1 has yet to announce their final driver paired with George Russell. Renault F1 has confirmed Esteban Ocon return to the grid after a year-long absence as their second driver next to Daniel Ricciardo. One can only hope for career best performances from both veteran drivers as both Hulkenberg and Kubica have made a lasting mark on Formula 1.