Formula 1 | Presentation and schedules of the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix of F1

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, 24th of the 24 races of the 2024 F1 season, will have no shortage of challenges this weekend. Among the drivers, the honorary place of vice-world champion will be played out between Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc, since they are separated by eight points.

Among the constructors, McLaren F1 is 21 points ahead of Ferrari and will act as favorite for the title, although the Scuderia still has a chance to go for the crown. Red Bull could take second place from Ferrari, but for that it would have to take 38 units from the Italian team, out of 44 possible.

The fight for sixth place among the teams will also be at the center of the weekend, since Alpine has regained a five-point lead over Haas, which has an eight-point margin on RB F1. For the latter, the matter seems settled, but the struggles will be intense.

After the weekend, the teams will stay on site for a day of testing next Tuesday, during which they will run two cars. One will be in the hands of a beginner who has not completed more than two races, and the other at the wheel of an experienced driver for Pirelli tests.

Indeed, the rookies will use the same compounds as those used during the Grand Prix weekend, while the other car will benefit from five tire compounds approved for 2025. These will be C2 to C6 rubbers, the C1 does not not used on this circuit.

The route:

In the desert, since 2021, the drivers will face a total of 16 turns in broad daylight then under a starry night. The track also boasts an underground pit lane and a hotel overlooking the track.

After a rhythmic start, the intermediate sector is made up of two long straights where you can overtake thanks to DRS before a technical finale dotted with technical turns.

Turn 1 – Negotiated at around 150 km/h, turn 1 leads into the fast sequence formed by turn 2 and turn 3. If they do not release the accelerator in qualifying, the competitors will think twice when their cars have a full tank of gas.

Turn 2 – Decisive for the settings. Maximum front downforce is required to eliminate any understeer, an aspect that defines the wing angle across the entire circuit.

Turn 5 – The old chicane which led to a very tight hairpin gives way to a new, wider hairpin, which now leads to the longest straight on the circuit, which the drivers approach with more speed before activating the DRS.

Turn 7 – If taken in second gear at around 70 km/h, a good recovery at the exit of turn 7 is essential before tackling the second longest straight on the track, synonymous with the second DRS zone.

Turn 9 – The F1 cars reach 330 km/h before braking, also revised in 2021. The old complex of four right-angled turns gives way to a huge, fast and slightly inclined curve, which leads to a faster third sector.

Bends 12/13/14 – These old right-angle bends have been softened, and the passage under the Yas Hotel should go significantly faster. The objective is to break the rhythm less for the rest of the lap, so that the drivers have less downforce to carry.

Turn 15 – A rather fast turn leading to the last turn, which tightens after braking negotiated with support.

The forces present:

It is difficult to know who will be at the top of the hierarchy at the end of the season, even if McLaren and Ferrari will give everything to compete for the title. Also, both teams should be strong in Abu Dhabi.

However, with very smooth asphalt, Red Bull and Mercedes will surely have less difficulty finding themselves involved in the fight, notably with George Russell and Max Verstappen.

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix schedules

With this return to the Middle East, and for a Grand Prix which will take place partly at night, the European schedules will be classic, with qualifying at 3 p.m. on Saturday and the race at 2 p.m.

– Friday December 6

10:30 a.m.-11:30 a.m.: Free Practice 1

2:00 p.m.-3:00 p.m.: Free Practice 2

– Saturday December 7

11:30 a.m.-12:30 p.m.: Free Practice 3

15h00-16h00 : Qualifications

– Sunday December 8

14h00-16h00 : Course

The winners of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix