Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: Editorial’s Presentation and Predictions

Usual venue for wrapping up the Formula 1 World Championship, Abu Dhabi holds its place on the calendar despite the upheavals of the global health crisis.

Eighteenth and final round, the drivers head to a track they know by heart with the last stakes of the 2020 season.

The Sunset Grand Prix

If it is not the drivers’ favorite circuit nor even the most spectacular, Abu Dhabi has become, since its addition to the calendar, the traditional venue for the end of the Championship.

5,554 kilometers long (the full story can be found in the key figures of this Grand Prix), the Yas Marina circuit features 21 turns, in the counter-clockwise direction.

Located on Yas Island, the circuit features some famous sections such as the tunnel exit from the pits and the third sector along the marina, with its turns 18 and 19, overlooked by a gigantic hotel.

Overtaking zones on this circuit are located at the end of each DRS straight at turns 8 and 11, but also after the long right-hand acceleration curve leading to turn 5. Also notable is the technical off-camber turn 17, where many drivers typically make mistakes.

This Grand Prix is the only one in the history of Formula 1 to start the race during the day and finish at night, earning it the nickname of the “Grand Prix of the setting sun.”

Pirelli made an aggressive choice for this Grand Prix by bringing its softest range. It will be interesting to observe the different strategies during the race.

Are you ready for the final showdown?
Discover the details of #F1‘s final 2020 battleground: https://t.co/mMrhNwU59Z#AbuDhabiGP ???????? #Fit4F1 pic.twitter.com/J4SklVMdPo

— Pirelli Motorsport (@pirellisport) December 7, 2020

Bottas / Verstappen, Perez / Ricciardo, 3rd place constructors… The final stakes of the season

With a 16-point gap and a maximum of 26 up for grabs, everything is still in play for Max Verstappen in his battle against Valtteri Bottas. If the Dutchman manages to navigate the pitfalls of the first lap, he will be able to fight against the Mercedes as he has in most Grand Prix races this season.

Nevertheless, Bottas remains the clear favorite for the runner-up position in the world championship. On a track where he has already won (2017), the Finn only needs to “secure” his place on the podium, which, barring mechanical issues or catastrophes, is entirely achievable.

With his victory in the last Grand Prix, Sergio Perez has taken a big step towards the “Best of the rest” spot. With a 13-point lead over his now only rival Daniel Ricciardo, it will be difficult to dislodge the Mexican, who is in great form at this end of the season.

However, one should not write off Daniel Ricciardo too quickly, who, for his very last race with Renault, will most certainly be keen to leave on a good note.

Finally, the battle is raging within the pack for 3rd place among the constructors. Although Renault starts with a big handicap (22 points less than Racing Point), the French team can still hope to climb up the rankings.

McLaren and Racing Point will battle hard to claim the last podium spot and the numerous millions of euros at stake.

The editorial team’s predictions: With or without Hamilton?

At the time of writing these lines, Lewis Hamilton’s presence for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is, to say the least, very uncertain.

The Briton must test negative for Covid-19 to be able to race in the Grand Prix again. If he cannot race, George Russell will be his replacement for this final race.

Motors Inside therefore offers you both scenarios with the presence of Lewis Hamilton at Mercedes on one side and that of George Russell on the other!

With Lewis Hamilton, the trend is clearly towards a Bottas victory even though his name came up alongside that of Max Verstappen.

The situation changes significantly with the potential absence of the seven-time world champion. Indeed, while Bottas retains some support, Russell’s magnificent performance in Sakhir remains memorable, and many of us also believe in the young Briton’s first victory.

Note that Sergio Perez and Daniel Ricciardo are also mentioned for a potential podium, unlike Albon, the McLarens, and their respective teammates.

And you?

Who are your favorites for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?

The start of the Grand Prix will be given this Sunday at 2:10 PM. Find all the times to know with the TV schedule.