2024 F1 Abu Dhabi GP: Top 5 bold predictions
The 2024 F1 Abu Dhabi GP marks the end of what has been a very interesting season. When the first pre-season test was run, it did not appear that we would have a competitive 24-race season in front of us. Red Bull was fast, and the competition was a step behind.
The season began in much the same fashion as it ended in 2023, with Max Verstappen dominating from pole position. However, things soon changed, and they changed drastically. As a result, we've had a season where the driver's title battle became quite intense.
As we head into the last race of the season, the constructors' championship has still not been decided. So what can we expect at the F1 Abu Dhabi GP? Let's take a look.
#5 Haas beats Alpine for P6
The track layout for the F1 Abu Dhabi GP should suit Haas more than Alpine. The long straights compounded with the slow speed last sector could work in favor of the American team.
Haas shot itself in the foot when it messed up the PU settings on Hulkenberg's car for qualifying, which triggered a chain reaction that led to a bad race for the German. In the F1 Abu Dhabi GP, however, the team would be banking on the German to produce a strong result that helps them secure a P6 in the championship.
#4 Lewis Hamilton might not have the best farewell weekend
After what happened in Qatar, things can only get better for Lewis Hamilton in a Mercedes. He would be hoping to just see out the race, as there is almost nothing at stake in the final race of the season.
With that being said, the driver is a born champion, and that attitude would not let him just coast to the checkered flag. He would be looking to get the best possible result and beat George Russell at the F1 Abu Dhabi GP. Unfortunately, that's going to be a tough ask.
#3 A Max Verstappen podium looks highly unlikely
Max Verstappen is coming into the last race of the season ready to end things on a high. The Dutch driver has had a sensational season. Even when the car has not been great, the results have still been impressive.
With that being said, the Abu Dhabi GP track layout might not be the best for Red Bull to extract pace out of that package, and we could see Verstappen being in a distant third-fastest car and out of podium contention.
#2 McLaren and Ferrari will be a step above other teams
The F1 Abu Dhabi GP track layout might not be the best if you're looking for racing and overtaking opportunities. It does, however, offer a more well-rounded challenge for a team in terms of what the car can do.
Both Ferrari and McLaren have reached a point where the two cars are now very close to each other and a step above the others in terms of well-roundedness. With both of them still fighting for the constructors' championship, we could see the two teams kicking things up a notch this weekend.
#1 Charles Leclerc wins the F1 Abu Dhabi GP
The long straights, the slow, slow-medium speed final sector, and the warmer temperatures might be the perfect mix for the Ferrari to excel. It's going to be close between McLaren and Ferrari in terms of performance, but we're picking Charles Leclerc to have the edge over others and win the last race of the season.