The prospects for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Can Max Verstappen resist?

To say that few believed it is an understatement. Dominated since the beginning of the weekend by Lewis Hamilton, Max Verstappen seemed to approach the qualifying session like a sacrificial lamb. Ultimately, the Dutchman managed to surprise the entire paddock with a stunning first attempt in Q3. Granted, he was aided by Sergio Perez’s slipstream, but it was in the last sector that he secured the thirteenth pole position of his career.

But the cards were also reshuffled in Q2 when he made a mistake at the first corner of his second attempt, which led to a flat spot on his medium tyre. Following this, Red Bull reacted by sending him back on track, this time equipped with soft tyres. This means that he will indeed have the advantage at the start, but Lewis Hamilton is in an ideal position to regain the lead when his rival is forced to pit earlier than him.

In play, not just a trivial victory. Simply a place in history: to become the first driver with eight titles or to become the one who dethroned a seven-time world champion to embody the next generation of champions!

What role for Sergio Perez and Valtteri Bottas?

We might almost forget it, but if Mercedes is in a favorable position in the Constructors’ Championship (28 points ahead), it is because Valtteri Bottas is dominating Sergio Perez. However, on the Abu Dhabi grid, it is indeed the Mexican (4th) who is ahead of the Finn (6th).

The role of the Red Bull driver could prove to be crucial as he will also be equipped with red tires when he takes off and could come and sow discord in the battle between the two leading drivers from the first meters of the race and during tire changes.

Is Lando Norris back in shape?

Another surprise of the qualifying session: Lando Norris. Invisible since the historic double at Monza, McLaren has probably lost its battle against Ferrari for third place in the championship. But Lando Norris reminded everyone of his skills during the last qualifying lap of the season, which saw him slip into third position and secure a coveted spot to witness the title fight.

If the British driver managed to hold on to his position, it would allow him to reclaim fifth place in the championship race against Charles Leclerc and position himself as the “best of the rest,” behind the four drivers from the top teams. In any case, he took advantage of it to extend the gap to his teammate, Daniel Ricciardo, by half a second…

What end for Kimi Räikkönen?

Kimi Räikkönen is reaching the end of his second career in Formula 1. With an 18th place in qualifying, the Finnish driver has little chance of finishing in the points once again. However, he has proven on several occasions this season that he still knows how to drive his Alfa Romeo in race conditions. He may thus have the desire to enjoy himself one last time behind the wheel of an F1 car, especially since his team has promised him, “now we will leave you alone,” referencing his famous outburst at the same circuit.