2025 Abu Dhabi GP: Qualifying Schedule and Yas Marina Circuit Highlights
The 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is shaping up to be a thrilling conclusion to this year's Formula 1 season. Enthusiasts can look forward to the qualifying session on Saturday, December 6, kicking off at 14:00 GMT (13:00 UK time). As the season's finale, fans and teams alike have a packed weekend beginning with three practice sessions that set the stage for the grid-deciding qualifiers.
The festivities start on Friday, December 5, with the first two practice sessions strategically scheduled at 09:30 and 13:00 UK time. The final practice run, FP3, provides one last chance for teams to fine-tune their setups on Saturday, December 6, at 10:30 UK time. The 58-lap race, eagerly anticipated by fans worldwide, takes place on Sunday, December 7, at 13:00 UK time, promising high-speed excitement and strategic brilliance.
The Yas Marina Circuit: A Perfect Stage for Racing
Located in Abu Dhabi, the Yas Marina Circuit offers a spectacular setting for the season-ending race. This 5.281 km track challenges the drivers with its diverse layout, featuring a remarkable 1.2 km straight that often sees adrenaline-pumping overtakes. Notably, modifications made in 2021 aim to amplify these overtaking opportunities, adding to the competitive edge.
Beyond its structural elegance, the Yas Marina Circuit holds memories of remarkable performances. Last year's winner, Lando Norris, impressed with his skillful navigation through the complex turns and straights. In earlier seasons, Max Verstappen left his mark with a series of wins from 2018 to 2021, showcasing his mastery of the track's nuances.
Support Races and Viewing Options
Adding to the weekend's excitement are the Formula 2 support races, offering a glimpse into the future stars of the sport as they battle it out on the same prominent track. For those wanting to catch every moment of the action, live streams are accessible through official F1 broadcasters. Enthusiasts keen on a seamless viewing experience can consult detailed guides on platforms like RaceFans and Formula1.com.
As a bonus trivia, the current lap record of 1:25.637 was set by Kevin Magnussen in 2024, a testament to the blistering pace possible on this famed circuit. With all these elements aligning, the 2025 Abu Dhabi GP promises unforgettable moments for F1 fans around the globe.