Finally. After 22 events, one cancellation, much action and plenty of controversy, the 2023 Formula One season approaches the winter break as Abu Dhabi is the last GP of the year. Here is what to keep your eye on this weekend.
Image credit: Mercedes AMG F1 Press Site
Yes, you read that right. This Formula One season comes to an end this weekend as the paddock heads to Yas Marina. The Abu Dhabi GP will once again put an end to the year, with driver, team personnel and media surely all looking forward to some down time.
But before that time off, the top 20 drivers in the world have to go through three more Practice sessions, a Qualifying hour and a Grand Prix. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is rarely an exciting event, but the sunset race time and bright lights around the circuit make it a show. With few chances to take in live motorsport after this weekend, make sure to tune in. Here is what you will see if you do.
However, fourth to seventh in the standings are covered by just 12 points with Sainz and Alonso level on points, Norris five behind and Leclerc only just trailing. Whilst there is little prize money on offer, each driver will want to come out on top. This will provide them with confidence and motivation into next year. Expect this fight to be immensely tight all weekend, and a big talking point.
Sandwiching this battle are the two Mercedes drivers. This means that Mercedes and Ferrari are separated by just five points in the Constructors' Standings. According to sources, the difference in cash reward between P2 and P3 in the Manufacturers' Standings is $9 million. Certainly nothing to scoff at, both teams will be pushing to the maximum for the additional funds. Make sure to keep an eye on all four drivers involved. With such a small gap, the slightest position change could be crucial.
Aside from the F1 action, Formula 2 also returns this weekend. With intense action at every opportunity, the racing is sure to be close. But with the championship still not sealed, the Théo Pourchaire and Frederik Vesti fight will be close. There is admittedly a 25-point difference between the two, but with 39 points available across the weekend, keep your eyes on the series.
With back-to-back events more prominent than ever, teams, drivers and everyone involved are all certainly exhausted. With the promise of some downtime on the horizon, the paddock will be anxious to get the event over with. Potential rushing, or fatigue could well lead to some mistakes.
Be it drivers dropping the car in the later sessions, or mechanics with finger trouble resulting in slow pitstops. Small issues could well turn the race on its head. That being said, these are the best drivers and mechanics in the world. So surely mistake is not a word in their dictionaries.
Yesterday, EA Sports unveiled the first of its F1 Scenarios for the weekend. To get yourself into the mood of F1 racing at Yas Marina, try and retain Bottas' chance at a podium. After the weekend, one is sure to discover more Scenarios and F1 Replay modes. Currently, fans can recreate the top moments of last weekend's Las Vegas GP.
Who are you rooting for in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?
Image credit: Mercedes AMG F1 Press Site
Yes, you read that right. This Formula One season comes to an end this weekend as the paddock heads to Yas Marina. The Abu Dhabi GP will once again put an end to the year, with driver, team personnel and media surely all looking forward to some down time.
But before that time off, the top 20 drivers in the world have to go through three more Practice sessions, a Qualifying hour and a Grand Prix. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is rarely an exciting event, but the sunset race time and bright lights around the circuit make it a show. With few chances to take in live motorsport after this weekend, make sure to tune in. Here is what you will see if you do.
Championship Standings On The Line
For those living under a pile of rocks, the 2023 F1 season has not been a competitive marvel at the front of the field. The title was wrapped up in Qatar and Perez claimed P2 in the championship last time out.| F1 Championship Standings | Points |
| Max Verstappen | 549 |
| Sergio Perez | 273 |
| Lewis Hamilton | 232 |
| Carlos Sainz | 200 |
| Fernando Alonso | 200 |
| Lando Norris | 195 |
| Charles Leclerc | 188 |
| George Russell | 160 |
However, fourth to seventh in the standings are covered by just 12 points with Sainz and Alonso level on points, Norris five behind and Leclerc only just trailing. Whilst there is little prize money on offer, each driver will want to come out on top. This will provide them with confidence and motivation into next year. Expect this fight to be immensely tight all weekend, and a big talking point.
Sandwiching this battle are the two Mercedes drivers. This means that Mercedes and Ferrari are separated by just five points in the Constructors' Standings. According to sources, the difference in cash reward between P2 and P3 in the Manufacturers' Standings is $9 million. Certainly nothing to scoff at, both teams will be pushing to the maximum for the additional funds. Make sure to keep an eye on all four drivers involved. With such a small gap, the slightest position change could be crucial.
Aside from the F1 action, Formula 2 also returns this weekend. With intense action at every opportunity, the racing is sure to be close. But with the championship still not sealed, the Théo Pourchaire and Frederik Vesti fight will be close. There is admittedly a 25-point difference between the two, but with 39 points available across the weekend, keep your eyes on the series.
Fatigue Playing Its Part?
Earlier this year, extreme weather conditions saw the cancellation of the San Marino GP. But despite the schedule missing a race, the 2023 season has been a record-breaking calendar in terms of length. Never in the history of the sport have there been 23 rounds in a season.With back-to-back events more prominent than ever, teams, drivers and everyone involved are all certainly exhausted. With the promise of some downtime on the horizon, the paddock will be anxious to get the event over with. Potential rushing, or fatigue could well lead to some mistakes.
Be it drivers dropping the car in the later sessions, or mechanics with finger trouble resulting in slow pitstops. Small issues could well turn the race on its head. That being said, these are the best drivers and mechanics in the world. So surely mistake is not a word in their dictionaries.
Abu Dhabi GP in F1 23
As sim racers, we all love the idea of putting ourselves behind the wheel of real world cars. Whilst it is far from the simulation many would hope for, F1 23 is certainly one of the best ways of recreating the 2023 Abu Dhabi GP.Yesterday, EA Sports unveiled the first of its F1 Scenarios for the weekend. To get yourself into the mood of F1 racing at Yas Marina, try and retain Bottas' chance at a podium. After the weekend, one is sure to discover more Scenarios and F1 Replay modes. Currently, fans can recreate the top moments of last weekend's Las Vegas GP.
Who are you rooting for in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?
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