Presentation of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: final straight before the farewells

The season is coming to an end. After a record number of Grand Prix races, the drivers will be able to step back and rest. But before that, they will have to compete in the last round of this 2024 season. Even if the stakes are low, they should not be forgotten.

Charles Leclerc, after his good performance in Qatar, is in a position to take second place from Lando Norris in the drivers’ standings. The two men are only separated by eight points. A good result from the Ferrari driver would help conclude a successful season for the Reds.

How can Charles Leclerc be runner-up?

So, how can the Monegasque finish in second place in the championship? If he finishes first and Lando Norris finishes third. If he finishes second and the Briton finishes sixth. If he finishes third and the McLaren driver finishes seventh. If he finishes fourth and the man with the number 4 finishes ninth. Or if he finishes fifth and Lando Norris finishes tenth without the point for the fastest race lap.

For this last race of the year, Pirelli will bring its C3, C4, and C5 tyres. The Yas Marina track requires strong traction and is quite abrasive. Several major braking zones will put stress on the tire wear: at the end of the first sector, at the end of the first long straight, or even at the last corner. Several fast corners with strong downforce will put a lot of strain on the tires.

The soft erasers shunned in the race

The red-banded tires will probably only be used in qualifying, while the medium and hard tires will take center stage, in every sense of the term, according to Pirelli.

On a track where graining can have a significant impact and where, as mentioned earlier, overtaking is possible, a two-stop strategy certainly seems preferable, as was the case last year.