F1 Abu Dhabi GP 2025: Final Race Preview, Weather, Schedule & How to Watch (2026)

Table of Contents

How to Catch the F1 Abu Dhabi GP Live Following the F1 Abu Dhabi GP in Real-Time Weather Outlook for the F1 Abu Dhabi GP F1 2025 Drivers' Standings F1 2025 Constructors' Standings

It's the nail-biting climax we've all been waiting for! The 2025 Formula 1 world championship will be crowned this weekend at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Oscar Piastri each poised for greatness. But here's where it gets controversial—could this be the moment a legendary streak continues, or will an underdog rise to claim their first triumph? Stick around, because the drama is just heating up.

This marks the first time since the dramatic 2021 edition that the title decider hinges on the final day. Back then, Verstappen secured his inaugural crown in that unforgettable showdown against Lewis Hamilton, a race filled with tension and unforgettable maneuvers. Fast-forward to now, and the landscape has shifted dramatically: Verstappen, the Red Bull ace, is gunning for an unprecedented fifth world title, while the McLaren duo of Norris and Piastri chase their maiden victories. So, who's going to emerge victorious? Honestly, in the unpredictable world of F1 season finales, where a single pit stop or strategy call can turn the tide, no one can say for sure. That said, Norris enters as the slight favorite, leading the pack with a commanding advantage.

The British driver sits 12 points ahead of Verstappen in second, and 16 points in front of Piastri in third. For beginners diving into F1, understanding points is key—they're awarded based on finishing positions in each race, with the highest scorer at the end of the season crowned champion. This setup means Norris is in a strong position, but anything from mechanical failures to rival tactics could flip the script. Regardless, the race promises to be absolutely thrilling. To help you gear up, here's all the essential details for this weekend's event.

How to Catch the F1 Abu Dhabi GP Live

(Image: Lando Norris, McLaren; Oscar Piastri, McLaren; Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing - Photo by: Andrew Ferraro / LAT Images via Getty Images)

For F1 enthusiasts in the United Kingdom, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be broadcast live exclusively on Sky Sports, the official home of the championship. You can also stream it conveniently via Sky Go or Now TV. Additionally, Channel 4 will offer free-to-air highlights for those who miss the live action.

Over in the United States, ESPN is handling the broadcasts for this final time before Apple TV takes the reins next season—marking a significant transition in how fans access the sport. For viewers in other regions, check out these options:

Europe
- Austria: Servus TV / ORF
- Belgium: RTBF / Play Sports
- Croatia: Sport Klub
- Czech Republic: Nova
- Denmark: TV3+ / Viaplay
- Estonia: Go3 Estonia / TV3
- Finland: Viaplay
- France: Canal+
- Germany: Sky Sports
- Greece: ANT1 / ANT1+
- Hungary: M4
- Italy: Sky Sports
- Netherlands: Viaplay
- Norway: V Sport 1 / Viaplay
- Poland: Eleven Sports
- Portugal: DAZN
- Spain: DAZN
- Sweden: Viaplay
- Switzerland: SRF / RSI / RTS
- United Kingdom: Sky Sports

Following the F1 Abu Dhabi GP in Real-Time

Motorsport.com offers comprehensive live coverage for the entire Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend, complete with session-by-session commentary. Kicking off on Thursday with media day, you'll get all the behind-the-scenes insights and build-up to keep you in the loop.

Weather Outlook for the F1 Abu Dhabi GP

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix typically unfolds under scorching desert heat, but this weekend brings some variations worth noting—weather can play a huge role in tire choices and strategy, so let's break it down day by day.

Friday, December 5: Free Practice 1 and 2

Expect a mix of heat and cloud cover for Friday's sessions. The ambient temperature is forecast at a steady 28°C (about 82°F), with humidity levels around 41-42%. For newcomers to F1, these practice sessions are crucial for teams to fine-tune setups and test strategies, often revealing potential race tactics.

Saturday, December 6: Practice 3 and Qualifying

The heat persists into Saturday, with clear blue skies dominating the day—no clouds in sight. Practice 3 will see temperatures around 29°C (84°F), cooling slightly to about 26°C (79°F) by qualifying time at 6 PM local. Humidity will bump up from 37% to 54%, which could affect driver comfort and vehicle performance. Qualifying, or 'Quali' as fans call it, determines the starting grid and is often where the most intense battles occur—think high-stakes duels for pole position.

(Image: Yas Marina Circuit - Photo by: Mark Sutton / Motorsport Images)

Sunday, December 7: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Race day mirrors the dry heat of Saturday, with the action kicking off at 5 PM in balmy 29°C (84°F) conditions and 38% humidity. Rain looks highly unlikely, setting the stage for a potentially blistering contest. In F1, clear weather like this minimizes risks but amplifies the pressure on drivers and teams to execute flawlessly.

F1 2025 Drivers' Standings

Here's the current leaderboard heading into the finale, where every point counts in this tense battle for supremacy:

| Position | Driver | Team | Points |
|----------|--------|------|--------|
| 1 | Lando Norris | McLaren | 408 |
| 2 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | 396 |
| 3 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren | 392 |
| 4 | George Russell | Mercedes | 309 |
| 5 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | 230 |
| 6 | Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari | 152 |
| 7 | Andrea Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes | 150 |
| 8 | Alex Albon | Williams | 73 |
| 9 | Carlos Sainz | Williams | 64 |
| 10 | Isack Hadjar | Racing Bulls | 51 |
| 11 | Nico Hulkenberg | Sauber | 49 |
| 12 | Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin | 48 |
| 13 | Oliver Bearman | Haas | 41 |
| 14 | Liam Lawson | Racing Bulls | 38 |
| 15 | Yuki Tsunoda | Red Bull | 33 |
| 16 | Esteban Ocon | Haas | 32 |
| 17 | Lance Stroll | Aston Martin | 32 |
| 18 | Pierre Gasly | Alpine | 22 |
| 19 | Gabriel Bortoleto | Sauber | 19 |
| 20 | Franco Colapinto | Alpine | 0 |
| 21 | Jack Doohan | Alpine | 0 |

F1 2025 Constructors' Standings

The team points reflect collective performances, rewarding consistency across both drivers:

| Position | Team | Points |
|----------|------|--------|
| 1 | McLaren | 800 |
| 2 | Mercedes | 459 |
| 3 | Red Bull | 426 |
| 4 | Ferrari | 382 |
| 5 | Williams | 137 |
| 6 | Racing Bulls | 92 |
| 7 | Aston Martin | 80 |
| 8 | Haas | 73 |
| 9 | Sauber | 68 |
| 10 | Alpine | 22 |

And this is the part most people miss—how pressure plays into the McLaren-Verstappen rivalry. Laurent Mekies recently commented that McLaren is indeed feeling the heat, highlighting the psychological edge in high-stakes battles. (Read more: Formula 1 - Laurent Mekies: “Of course” McLaren feeling pressure in fight against Max Verstappen)

We'd love to hear from you! Do you think Norris can clinch the title, or is Verstappen's dominance set to continue? Could a surprise Piastri win redefine the season? What controversies, like team strategies or rule interpretations, do you see sparking debate? Share your thoughts in the comments below—let's discuss!

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The Motorsport.com Team