Abu Dhabi – Presentation: One last one for good measure
The last race of this 2017 season should mark the first step towards next year. Mercedes and Ferrari will nevertheless have to watch out for the Red Bulls, which have been in great form for several Grand Prix. Sebastian Vettel should also confirm his runner-up position in the drivers' championship behind the already world champion Lewis Hamilton.
« It’s a fun track to drive, I love the twilight and the fact that it’s the end of the season here makes things more enjoyable. We have the practice sessions in daylight but the twilight race makes things more challenging. In general, you don’t pay too much attention to the sessions in the sunlight because in the evening, when it matters, the track cools down and the car changes a lot in behavior. I wouldn’t say they’re wasted sessions, but you have to take them with caution. »
Daniel Ricciardo is thus torn between the desire to achieve a good result and the wish to go on vacation, just for a few weeks, to relax after a grueling season.
But the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is far from being a walk in the park for the drivers. As the Australian perfectly points out, the track and driving conditions change throughout the weekend depending on whether the track is sunlit or illuminated by artificial lights.
Leave me alone, I know what I’m doing!
This 9th edition of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will not see the title decided this year as it did last year, with an extremely tense race where Lewis Hamilton’s only strategy was to slow down the race leader to prevent his rival and teammate, Nico Rosberg, from finishing on the podium, which would mean the title for the German. A strategy that ultimately failed and allowed Keke Rosberg’s son to become world champion in turn, 34 years after his father.
In 2012, history will also remember that the race was won by Kimi Räikkönen, who returned to Formula 1 after his rally hiatus. This victory was also marked by the Finnish driver’s message to his team at the end of the race, which remains one of the highlights of the 2007 world champion’s career and perfectly summarizes the character of the current Ferrari driver: “Leave me alone, I know what I’m doing!”
Is the 6th place in the Constructors’ Championship already decided?
In Interlagos, only Renault was able to score a point, with Nico Hülkenberg’s 10th place finish, to advance in the Constructors’ Championship. That said, Toro Rosso, Renault, and Haas are still within six points of each other, so the fight remains very open as they head into the final stage. Come what may.
Regarding the runner-up position in the Drivers’ Championship, it seems to be in play as Valtteri Bottas is required to win the race on Sunday while also relying on a retirement or a significant mistake from Sebastian Vettel. Despite his 22-point lead, the German Scuderia driver can still fear for his position if an accident similar to those that occurred during the Asian tour were to happen again.
This race will also mark Felipe Massa’s true last participation in a Formula 1 Grand Prix. Paradoxically, the Williams driver experienced one of his least successful years in 2017. No podium finishes for the Brazilian and a feeling of no longer truly being wanted within his team somewhat tarnished the end of the Paulista’s career. However, the 2009 world vice-champion will leave behind, admittedly some regrets, but many good memories and a record worthy of a world champion, which he was for a few seconds.
To (really) know everything…
The asphalt of Yas Marina is not very abrasive and not very stressful for the tires, which led Pirelli to bring its softest range this weekend. Ultra-soft, super-soft, soft, the drivers have largely opted for maximum grip on this seldom-used track.
Find the individual choices of the drivers:
The final selection of #Fit4F1 tyres for 2017!#AbuDhabiGP 🇦🇪🏎🏁 https://t.co/NMHKMPs2Iu
— Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) 14 novembre 2017
The DRS should once again thrill speed enthusiasts on the marina circuit. Two zones are defined in the second sector, the first between turns 7 and 8 with a detection point located before the hairpin at T7, the second follows the first and is placed between turns 9 and 11 with a detection point positioned at the exit of the T8-T9 chicane.
As in Bahrain, the question is not what the weather will be like but rather what level the mercury will reach. On Friday, the thermometer will show between 28 and 29°C during the first session, then between 25 and 27°C for Free Practice 2.
Saturday will be similar, except there will be fewer clouds in the sky. Temperatures will be 1 to 2 degrees cooler.
On Sunday the conditions will be almost unusual, the sky will be quite overcast but there are no concerns regarding rain.
Don’t forget the TV schedule!
