The final race of the Formula 1 season at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will determine this year’s world champion. The showdown, scheduled for December 3, 2023, features a fierce competition among three drivers: Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Oscar Piastri. The stakes are high, with drama and excitement expected as the season reaches its conclusion.
In a thrilling qualifying round, Max Verstappen secured pole position with a remarkable lap time of 1:22:207. This performance positions him as a strong contender for his fifth consecutive title, having left behind his closest rivals, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. The top ten qualifiers also included notable names such as George Russell, Charles Leclerc, and Fernando Alonso, while Lewis Hamilton and Alexander Albon faced early exits.
The championship scenario in Abu Dhabi parallels the dramatic finale of 2010, when Sebastian Vettel, Mark Webber, and Fernando Alonso were locked in a tight race for the title. At that time, Vettel emerged victorious, clinching his first championship with Red Bull Racing. The question remains: will history repeat itself for the Austrian team and Verstappen?
Verstappen’s affinity for the Abu Dhabi circuit is notable; it was here that he claimed his first title four years ago by overtaking Hamilton in a breathtaking final lap. Should Verstappen win the race, he will match the legendary Michael Schumacher with five championship titles. However, for this to happen, he needs to finish ahead of Norris, who currently leads by just twelve points.
For Lando Norris, the pathway to the championship is straightforward. He does not necessarily need to win the race; finishing in the top three will suffice for him to secure his first world title. His consistent performance throughout the season has placed him in a favorable position, making him a serious contender.
Conversely, the situation is more complex for Oscar Piastri. After leading the standings for much of the season, he has fallen behind his competitors. Piastri enters the final race in third place, trailing Norris by sixteen points and Verstappen by four. His only chance to claim the championship title is to win the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix while hoping that Norris finishes sixth or lower. In such a scenario, Verstappen’s finishing position would not affect the outcome.
As the countdown to the race begins, anticipation builds for what promises to be a spectacular finale to the Formula 1 season. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will start at 14:00 local time, and fans eagerly await to see which driver will emerge victorious and claim the prestigious title. The drama of the race is sure to captivate audiences worldwide, as the season concludes with high stakes and intense competition.
