Only 19 drivers on the Abu Dhabi grid
For the season finale, only 19 cars will be placed on the starting grid as one of the drivers was forced to withdraw due to a positive Covid-19 test.

This season, no driver had to withdraw due to Covid-19, unlike last year when it was the case for Sergio Perez, Lance Stroll, and Lewis Hamilton in 2020.
Finally, we had to wait until the last moment for this to happen because Nikita Mazepin tested positive this Sunday morning. Since this withdrawal was announced after the qualifying session, Haas will not be allowed to replace the Russian on the grid as a driver must participate in at least one practice session in order to participate in a race.
Only 19 drivers will therefore participate in the race and the Russian is therefore certain to finish 21st in the Drivers’ Championship.