Abu Dhabi GP 2025 – What You Need to Know

The 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is the final showdown of the F1 calendar. It takes place at Yas Marina Circuit under the lights, and every point matters for the championship. Fans are already buzzing about who will take pole, which tyre strategy will work, and what surprises the teams might bring.

Weekend schedule and key sessions

Friday starts with two practice sessions, each lasting an hour. Teams use these runs to fine‑tune the car balance for the long back‑straight and the tight Turn 8. Saturday brings a shorter practice, then the all‑important qualifying. The qualifying format stays the same: three knockout phases that decide the top ten grid positions.

Sunday is race day. The start time is 15:00 GMT, which means a primetime slot for viewers worldwide. A 58‑lap sprint will decide the final grid order, and the race itself typically runs just under two hours.

Drivers and storylines to watch

Mercedes and Red Bull are still the headline teams, but the gap has narrowed. Max Verstappen will be looking for a win to seal his third title, while Lewis Hamilton aims to keep his record of wins at Yas Marina alive. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and George Russell from McLaren have shown strong pace in recent practice runs, so they could mix things up.

Young guns like Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris are also in the mix. Their ability to manage tyre wear on the abrasive surface could be a game‑changer. Keep an eye on the midfield battles – teams such as Alpine and Aston Villa often gamble on alternative strategies that pay off in the closing laps.Tyre choices are critical. Pirelli brings the soft, medium and hard compounds for this race. The soft tyre gives the best grip but wears fast on the long straights. Teams that can stretch the medium tyre into the final stint may gain a big advantage.

Weather is usually warm and dry in Abu Dhabi, but the desert can surprise with sudden sandstorms. A dusty track reduces downforce, so drivers may need to adjust their lines. The night setting also means cooler air over the circuit, which can affect engine performance.

If you’re watching from home, the official F1 streaming service provides live timing, on‑board cameras and expert commentary. The race’s live feed includes a split‑screen view of the pit lane, so you won’t miss any surprise tyre swaps.

For those attending the event, the Yas Marina fan zone offers free Wi‑Fi, food trucks and a chance to meet former drivers. Getting there early helps you avoid the rush and gives a better view of the start‑grid formation.

Historically, the Abu Dhabi GP has delivered dramatic finishes – think 2021’s title‑deciding duel. While the 2025 race may not have a championship on the line, the points are still valuable for teams fighting for rookie of the year and constructors’ positions.

In short, the Abu Dhabi GP 2025 promises fast laps, tight battles and a chance for surprises. Stay tuned for live updates, qualifying results and post‑race analysis as the weekend unfolds.