The 2025 Formula 1 season is coming down to the wire, and it all ends in Abu Dhabi. From December 5 to 8, Yas Marina Circuit will host the high stakes championship showdown where title contenders Oscar Piastri, Lando Norris, and Max Verstappen could all walk away with the trophy. As the only twilight race on the calendar, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix blends pure speed with dramatic skyline visuals, making it the most iconic way to end the F1 year.
McLaren’s Oscar Piastri currently leads the standings with 198 points, followed closely by teammate Lando Norris at 176 and Max Verstappen at 155. With just one race to go, and double points in play, the Yas Marina finale could shake everything up.
Mercedes has made a strong late season push with George Russell and rookie Kimi Antonelli putting pressure on Red Bull and Ferrari. Verstappen will also be under pressure with 11 penalty points on his license, just one away from a race ban, adding even more drama to the mix.
If Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc or Lewis Hamilton want to surprise the paddock, they’ll need everything to go perfectly under the lights of Yas.
Yas Marina Circuit will also host the final rounds of Formula 2, Formula 4 UAE, and the all female F1 Academy during the Grand Prix weekend. These races offer a preview of the future of motorsport, with young drivers from around the world battling for their own season titles.
Keep an eye on Ferrari’s Dino Beganovic in Formula 2 and Mercedes affiliated Kimi Antonelli in F1. Their performances could shape driver market decisions for 2026 and beyond.
The Yas Marina layout features long straights and tight corner sections that test braking precision and traction control. The race begins in daylight and ends at night, putting extra pressure on tire management and car setup as temperatures shift.
With cooling and rear grip becoming crucial after sunset, teams that nail the balance between speed and stability often dominate here. Watch for last minute strategy shifts and safety car moments to impact the final laps.
Oscar Piastri leads with 198 points, ahead of Norris and Verstappen.
Yes, but he needs a win and help from McLaren mistakes to overtake in points.
It’s the only twilight race of the year, combining night driving with complex corner sequences.
Yes, alongside Formula 2 and Formula 4 UAE, it’s part of the season finale.
Started my career in Automotive Journalism in 2015. Even though I'm a pharmacist, hanging around cars all the time has created a passion for the automotive industry since day 1.
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