The 2024 F1 season concludes this weekend with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit.
McLaren lead Ferrari by 21 points in the battle to be constructors’ champions after Lando Norris’ shock penalty in Qatar meant the Scuderia narrowed the deficit in the standings. McLaren are looking to win the constructors’ title for the first time since 1998, while Ferrari have not won the teams’ crown since 2008.
This weekend will also be Lewis Hamilton’s 246th and final grand prix for Mercedes. The seven-time world champion, who won six of his titles with the Silver Arrows, joins Ferrari in 2025 and will be looking to end his time with Mercedes on a high after a torrid weekend in Qatar.
Max Verstappen won last year’s race in Abu Dhabi and has won the last four grands prix at the Yas Marina Circuit, including the controversial finale to the 2021 season.
Follow live updates from the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix:
F1 ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX – LATEST UPDATES
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The 2024 F1 season concludes this weekend in Abu Dhabi
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Qualifying on Saturday is at 2pm (GMT)
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COMMENT: Lewis Hamilton’s farewell at Mercedes ends the greatest era in F1 history – but not in the way you think
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Oscar Piastri was quickest in the final practice session on Saturday; Norris 2nd; Hamilton 3rd
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READ: Inside George Russell’s extraordinary 14-minute outburst which reignites F1’s biggest feud
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Oh no, Lewis! Hamilton suffers nightmare to exit Q1 after bollard collides with Mercedes
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Drama! Leclerc eliminated in Q2 after lap deleted to leave him last on grid for grand prix
F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Qualifying – disaster for Charles Leclerc and Ferrari
14:46 , Jack Rathborn
End of Q2
Leclerc goes top… OH NO! Lap deleted, 10-place grid penalty, too, he’s out of the top 10 and will start last tomorrow. McLaren will be thrilled given the implications for the constructors’ championship.
Leclerc’s reaction: “No freaking way, for Turn 1?”
Elimination zone
P11 Tsunoda
P12 Lawson
P13 Stroll
P14 Leclerc
P15 Magnussen
F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Qualifying
14:44 , Jack Rathborn
0: 45 left in Q2
Leclerc at risk in 10th then, we enter the final minute, Hulkenberg goes second fastest, huge, a missed opportunity from Magnussen, still 11th. Gasly jumps up to third, a big improvement!
Elimination zone
P11 Leclerc
P12 Magnussen
P13 Alonso
P14 Stroll
P15 Bottas
F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Qualifying
14:41 , Jack Rathborn
3:42 left in Q2
The pit lane traffic is causing bother again, they’re queueing up, delaying their laps to avoid being upset by the turbulence from the car in front, aiming for that crucial five-second gap.
Leclerc isn’t happy: “The AlphaTauri there was over the limit!”
Elimination zone
P11 Alonso
P12 Stroll
P13 Magnussen
P14 Bottas
P15 Gasly
F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Qualifying
14:37 , Jack Rathborn
6:31 left in Q2
New tyres on so expect some movement soon as we approach the final five minutes.
No love lost between Sainz and Checo then: “Perez was in my way, Turn 12.”
Verstappen chilling in the pits, he thinks he’s done enough to get to Q3, he won’t be in danger.
Elimination zone
P11 Alonso
P12 Stroll
P13 Magnussen
P14 Bottas
P15 Gasly
F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Qualifying
14:36 , Jack Rathborn
9:31 left in Q2
Russell tucked in behind Verstappen, +0.807, wow, that’s a huge difference.
Hulkenberg into the top three briefly, now Sainz joins the Red Bull in that top three.
Norris just +0.100 off Verstappen now and up to second in the leaderboard.
F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Qualifying
14:32 , Jack Rathborn
11:45 left in Q2
We’re back underway after a delay in bollard-gate.
Verstappen is out early and the Red Bull on the softs is eyeing up a fifth successive pole at Yas Marina Circuit.
The Dutch driver delivers a lap of 1:22.998, but did he leave the track in the final corner? That could spell trouble.
Half a second faster than last year’s pole-winning lap from Verstappen, it’s quick!
F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Qualifying
14:26 , Jack Rathborn
Magnussen tried to get out of the way and kicked up a bollard that got stuck under his Mercedes, it’s incredibly unlucky and scuppered the entire lap.
He was up on his best lap before then at that point too. Heartbreak for the Briton.
F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Qualifying
14:24 , Jack Rathborn
What can you say about that, just an absolute disaster for Lewis Hamilton, who concedes he “messed it up,” a worst-ever start in Abu Dhabi, he’ll be 18th on the grid tomorrow.
And the Mercedes swansong appears to have vanished, the nightmare season extends to the final race.
F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Qualifying
14:21 , Jack Rathborn
Leclerc tops the standings with 1:23.302… Hamilton in P18 only, a disaster, his final start for Mercedes is his lowest grid spot ever in Abu Dhabi.
“I messed that up big time guys,” says Lewis.
The elimination zone after Q1:
P16 Albon
P17 Zhou
P18 Hamilton
P19 Colapinto
P20 Doohan
F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Qualifying
14:19 , Jack Rathborn
00:34 left in Q1
Bottas leads! Up to first in 1:23.481… Pole in Abu Dhabi in 2017, could he snatch it again today?
The current elimination zone with Q1 time expiring…
P16 Zhou
P17 Hamilton
P18 Colapinto
P19 Alonso
P20 Doohan
F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Qualifying
14:18 , Jack Rathborn
1:55 left in Q1
Perez on an out lap, can he leap out of the elimination zone? It’s desperate for Checo now… The deletion of Checo’s lap time has been reinstated. But Perez has already gone out and wasted a lap on those tyres.
Colapinto improves too, up to P13, and they’re all lining up in the pit lane.
Here’s the current elimination zone:
P16 Bottas
P17 Gasly
P18 Zhou
P19 Doohan
P20 Lawson
F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Qualifying
14:14 , Jack Rathborn
5:33 left in Q1
Here’s the elimination zone with five minutes remaining:
P16 Doohan
P17 Lawson
P18 Albon
P19 Perez
P20 Colapinto
F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Qualifying
14:13 , Jack Rathborn
7:21 left in Q1
Hamilton only 10th with the Mercedes, despite the cooling temperatures. Though the conditions are changing the balance.
Checo looking for Red Bull to check his infringement…
1. Sainz, 2. Verstappen, 3. Magnussen, 4. Piastri, 5. Norris, 6. Leclerc
F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Qualifying
14:11 , Jack Rathborn
9:05 left in Q1
Sainz tops the standings, impressive, 1:23.487.
But here come the McLarens. Norris finishes… behind Kevin Magnussen, oof, Piastri behind him too.
Life in the Haas, then, some rocket fuel discovered you’d imagine.
F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Qualifying
14:08 , Jack Rathborn
10:11 left in Q1
A massive moment for Sergio Perez, perhaps the writing is on the wall for him and his time at Red Bull, but surely he will be desperate to salvage some pride.
He’s two-tenths up on Stroll so far through S2… 1:23.559 to top the standings, that’s better Checo!
And just like that, the joy is wiped away from Checo’s face, probably, that lap is chalked off, what a miserable time of it he’s having in Formula One. But Max tops the leaderboard so far with 1:23.516 on those softs. Leclerc second and Tsunoda third.
F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Qualifying
14:06 , Jack Rathborn
13:10 left in Q1
Q1 is underway then and we’re on board with Lance Stroll, what a pleasure it is… There’s a traction issue in S2.
The first to set a time then… 1:24.366 on those soft tyres.
F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Qualifying
14:01 , Jack Rathborn
The talk of the paddock is McLaren look poised for an emphatic final race of the season and perhaps a message ahead of next season’s title race.
Can Lewis Hamilton provide a telling reminder of his greatness before that big move to Ferrari.
Lots of British fans in the stands supporting him and his last hurrah with Mercedes.
F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Qualifying
13:57 , Jack Rathborn
The majestic Yas Marina Circuit is now in its most glorious at sunset… It’s business time, especially for those McLaren and Ferrari cars.
A pivotal time in the final twist of a close constructors’ championship, can the Scuderia make a statement before tomorrow’s race?
Remember, they have to overhaul a 21-point gap, you can read all about how they can do it and what it’ll mean in terms of prize money, below:
F1 prize money: How much do teams earn for 2024 season?
F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Qualifying
13:54 , Jack Rathborn
Right then, here we go, the final qualifying of the season, who will go out with a bang?
And wouldn’t it be something if Verstappen and Russell find themselves cosy alongside one another on the grid tomorrow, it’s meant to be, surely?
WATCH: George Russell’s eight-word takedown of Max Verstappen in furious F1 feud
13:46 , Kieran Jackson
F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Qualifying
13:45 , Jack Rathborn
Christian Horner hits back at Toto Wolff: ‘I’d rather be a terrier than a wolf’
13:40 , Kieran Jackson
Christian Horner has responded to Toto Wolff’s insult amid a feud between their drivers Max Verstappen and George Russell.
The Red Bull Team Principal hit out at the Mercedes driver for being “hysterical” at the Qatar Grand Prix, with Verstappen hit with a one-place demotion on the grid for blocking the Briton during qualifying.
And Wolff was left incensed by the remark and criticism of his driver, hitting back on a fiery Thursday at Yas Marina Circuit to label his colleague “a yapping little terrier”.
But Horner has laughed off the comment and claimed he would rather be a terrier than a wolf.
Christian Horner hits back at Toto Wolff: ‘I’d rather be a terrier than a wolf’
Valtteri Bottas on F1 swansong: ‘This year has been the toughest of rides’
13:33 , Kieran Jackson
Exclusive interview:
Valtteri Bottas on F1 swansong: ‘This year has been the toughest of rides’
Lewis Hamilton’s farewell at Mercedes ends the greatest era in F1 history – but not in the way you think
13:16 , Kieran Jackson
The bemusement reverberated across the paddock. It is difficult not to overemphasise the brutal reaction the cut-throat Formula One circus – whether it be media, ex-drivers or fans – had in September 2012 when, to the astonishment of everyone, Lewis Hamilton decided to leave McLaren for Mercedes.
Even the wishes of his father and manager, Anthony, were ignored. As Jeremy Clarkson put it so tactlessly on a 2012 episode of Top Gear: “Is that not a bit like moving from Manchester United to West Ham?” And sorry Hammers fans – it was not a compliment.
Yet six world championships, 12 years and 84 grand prix victories later, Hamilton’s bold plunge into unchartered waters was his best-ever decision.
Full piece below:
Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes farewell ends the greatest F1 era – but not how you think
Here are the driver standings – with just eight points separating Norris and Leclerc in the battle for second!
13:01 , Kieran Jackson
1. Max Verstappen – 429 points (champion)
2. Lando Norris – 349 points
3. Charles Leclerc – 341 points
4. Oscar Piastri – 291 points
5. Carlos Sainz – 272 points
6. George Russell – 235 points
7. Lewis Hamilton – 211 points
8. Sergio Perez – 152 points
9. Fernando Alonso – 68 points
10. Nico Hulkenberg – 37 points
11. Pierre Gasly – 36 points
12. Yuki Tsunoda – 30 points
13. Lance Stroll – 24 points
14. Esteban Ocon – 23 points
15. Kevin Magnussen – 16 points
16. Alex Albon – 12 points
17. Daniel Ricciardo – 12 points
18. Ollie Bearman – 7 points
19. Franco Colapinto – 5 points
20. Zhou Guanyu – 4 points
21. Liam Lawson – 4 points
22. Valtteri Bottas – 0 points
23. Logan Sargeant – 0 points
F1 signs new contract with Chinese Grand Prix
12:44 , Kieran Jackson
F1 has signed a new five-year deal with the Chinese Grand Prix, with the race staying on the calendar until 2030.
The Shanghai International Circuit only returned to the schedule this year after a five-year absence due to the Covid pandemic.
It was also the first year the race had a home driver, with Zhou Guanyu appearing in front of 200,000 fans. However, the Sauber driver won’t be participating next year after he was dropped for 2025.
Nonetheless, the race – which first appeared in 2004 – has signed an extension, with the sport’s fanbase in China climbing to over 150 million people.
Who could replace Sergio Perez in 2025 F1 seat at Red Bull?
12:30 , Kieran Jackson
Sergio Perez looks set to be on the way out from Formula One and Red Bull after a torrid 2024 campaign.
Various reports after Sunday’s race in Qatar state that Red Bull are set to move on from the 34-year-old after the season finale in Abu Dhabi this weekend, despite a contract which lasts until the end of the 2025 F1 season.
The Mexican’s seat has been shrouded in uncertainty for some time, as he languishes 277 points behind teammate Max Verstappen in the standings with one grand prix remaining. His poor form means Red Bull are guaranteed to finish third in the constructors’ championship, despite Verstappen’s drivers’ title triumph.
But who is the leading candidate to replace Perez at Red Bull? Will Christian Horner look within the team’s wider ecosystem or further afield on the grid?
The Independent takes a look at the candidates to replace Perez at Red Bull:
Who will replace Sergio Perez in 2025 F1 seat at Red Bull?
Nico Rosberg, speaking to Sky Sports, about Hamilton vs Leclerc in 2025:
12:22 , Kieran Jackson
“If you take today, definitely Charles, he’ll be on a similar level to George, the next level, and Lewis is just struggling at the moment and we don’t know why.
“Today, Charles will beat him like George, but Lewis is the greatest of all time and can get back to his best and should be slightly ahead of Charles by the end of the year.”
Christian Horner on Verstappen-Russell row:
12:15 , Kieran Jackson
“Max is a very straight-shooter. He tells the truth exactly what he feels,” Horner said at the team principals’ press conference.
“I believe 100 per cent what he said to be accurate.
“A lot has been made of it yesterday, it is pantomime season, we are getting ready for Christmas so maybe there is an element of end-of-term blues there.
“I don’t think it will have any effect on the grand prix itself.”
Max Verstappen and Kelly Piquet expecting first child
12:08 , Kieran Jackson
Verstappen, 27, and girlfriend Piquet, 35, have announced that they are expecting their first child together!
They captioned a joint post on Instagram: “Mini Verstappen-Piquet on the way.
“We couldn’t be happier with our little miracle.”
F1 Abu Dhabi GP LIVE: FP3 RESULTS IN FULL…
11:50 , Kieran Jackson
Here are the start times for qualifying and the race:
11:40 , Kieran Jackson
All times GMT
Saturday 7 December
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Qualifying: 2pm
Sunday 8 December
F1 Abu Dhabi GP LIVE: Oscar Piastri quickest in FP3!
11:32 , Kieran Jackson
The advantage is very much with McLaren as they target a first constructors’ title since 1998!
They’ve been the quickest in practice again, with Oscar Piastri’s lap of 1:23:433 sealing P1 – and Lando Norris is two-tenths off in P2.
3-10: Hamilton, Verstappen, Sainz, Russell, Hulkenberg, Magnussen, Leclerc, Perez
The rest of the pack will have some work to do in qualifying later…
F1 Abu Dhabi GP LIVE: Lando Norris goes off-track
11:28 , Kieran Jackson
A really scratchy final push lap from Lando Norris.
He slides into turn one before going off-track in sector three underneath the W hotel!
He won’t improve his time, which currently puts him P2…
Final laps coming in now!
F1 Abu Dhabi GP LIVE: McLaren one-two!
11:24 , Kieran Jackson
Low-fuel qualifying simulation laps are coming in now and the times are tumbling!
Oscar Piastri is on top spot with a 1:23:433 – 0.193 secs clear of teammate Lando Norris.
Meanwhile, Verstappen, who is now third-fastest: “The brakes are not working…”
3-10: Verstappen, Sainz, Russell, Hulkenberg, Magnussenm Hamilton, Leclerc, Tsunoda
Five minutes left!
F1 Abu Dhabi GP LIVE: Alex Albon goes P1!
11:16 , Kieran Jackson
The Williams of Albon is the surprise name to usurp Magnussen, going 0.092 secs quicker than the Haas driver.
Will we see any quicker laps in the closing 15 minutes? We should do…
Top-10: Albon, Magnussen, Sainz, Verstappen, Norris, Hamilton, Perez, Hulkenberg, Piastri, Leclerc
F1 Abu Dhabi GP LIVE: Carlos Sainz goes second-fastest
11:10 , Kieran Jackson
Still no-one has usurped Kevin Magnussen in P1 yet!
Sainz goes second-quickest, 0.161 secs off the Dane, with Max Verstappen a tenth further down in third.
4-10: Norris, Hamilton, Perez, Hulkenberg, Piastri, Leclerc, Gasly
Should be said that these hot conditions are obviously nothing like what we’ll get in qualifying later, but still…
20 mins left in FP3!
F1 Abu Dhabi GP LIVE: FP3 updates
10:57 , Kieran Jackson
Some issues for Lewis Hamilton currently… A rather unusual problem you could say.
“You need to remove this sticker on my inside my cockpit, please,” says Hamilton.
One sticker reads “Every Dream Needs A Team,” but we cannot see exactly which sticker he is concerned about.
Christian Horner hits back at Toto Wolff: ‘I’d rather be a terrier than a wolf’
10:22 , Kieran Jackson
Christian Horner has responded to Toto Wolff’s insult amid a feud between drivers Max Verstappen and George Russell.
The Red Bull team principal hit out at the Mercedes driver for being “hysterical” at the Qatar Grand Prix, with Verstappen hit with a one-place demotion on the grid for blocking the Briton during qualifying.
And Wolff was left incensed by the remark and criticism of his driver, hitting back on a fiery Thursday at Yas Marina Circuit to label his colleague “a yapping little terrier”.
Full story below:
Christian Horner hits back at Toto Wolff: ‘I’d rather be a terrier than a wolf’
Lewis Hamilton’s farewell at Mercedes ends the greatest era in F1 history – but not in the way you think
Friday 6 December 2024 16:06 , Kieran Jackson
The bemusement reverberated across the paddock. It is difficult not to overemphasise the brutal reaction the cut-throat Formula One circus – whether it be media, ex-drivers or fans – had in September 2012 when, to the astonishment of everyone, Lewis Hamilton decided to leave McLaren for Mercedes.
Even the wishes of his father and manager, Anthony, were ignored. As Jeremy Clarkson put it so tactlessly on a 2012 episode of Top Gear: “Is that not a bit like moving from Manchester United to West Ham?” And sorry Hammers fans – it was not a compliment.
Yet six world championships, 12 years and 84 grand prix victories later, Hamilton’s bold plunge into unchartered waters was his best-ever decision.
Full piece below:
Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes farewell ends the greatest F1 era – but not how you think
F1 Abu Dhabi GP LIVE: Lando Norris quickest in FP2!
Friday 6 December 2024 14:02 , Kieran Jackson
A very strong Friday for Lando Norris – second-fastest in FP1 and fastest in FP2!
His time of 1:23:517 was 0.234 secs quicker than McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri in second – and four-tenths quicker than Haas’ Nico Hulkenberg in third!
4-10: Sainz, Hamilton, Leclerc, Bottas, Magnussen, Albon, Tsunoda
And as mentioned, Max Verstappen only in P17 as he struggles with the balance and feel of his Red Bull!
F1 Abu Dhabi GP LIVE: Norris and Piastri remain P1 and P2
Friday 6 December 2024 13:51 , Kieran Jackson
And with most of the drivers moving onto medium, race-esque runs… it may well stay that way!
Top-10: Norris, Piastri, Hulkenberg, Sainz, Hamilton, Leclerc, Bottas, Magnussen, Albon, Tsunoda
Max Verstappen, incidentally, a full second down on Norris in P17!
10 mins left!
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