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Championship showdown in Abu Dhabi: strategies that could crown the next F1 champion

Redação by Redação
December 7, 2025
in Motorsports
Reading Time: 3 mins read
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Championship showdown in Abu Dhabi: strategies that could crown the next F1 champion
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Title: Abu Dhabi F1 Showdown: The High-Stakes Strategies That Will Decide the Championship!

The stage is set for a heart-pounding finale at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where Max Verstappen claims pole position, flanked by the fierce Lando Norris and the ambitious Oscar Piastri. As these titans of racing gear up for the ultimate showdown, the battle is not just about speed but intricate tire strategies and pit stop tactics that could tip the scales and determine who walks away as champion.

One-Stop Strategy: The Race to Glory

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According to Pirelli’s latest simulations, the quickest route through the 58 laps lies in a single pit stop, starting on medium tires and switching to hard tires between laps 20 and 26. A strategy proven effective in 2024, when the top eight drivers executed a single stop, with Norris clinching victory after a flawless medium-to-hard tire swap that allowed him to control the race until the end. For Verstappen, this approach is crucial to secure a win; for Norris, it’s the key to claiming the championship while keeping a close eye on his rival.

The Undercut Threat: A Game-Changer from Midfield

Just like last year, the potential for an undercut from midfield drivers looms large. If a seasoned competitor like Fernando Alonso or George Russell pits early and gains significant time in clean air, front-running teams may feel compelled to react, disrupting their carefully laid pit strategies. In 2023, Alonso’s early stop triggered a domino effect, forcing several leading cars to pit in succession to defend against the undercut. However, the 2024 race saw a more dispersed grid, reducing that risk.

Graining: The Tire Trouble That Could Shift the Odds

A critical factor that could disrupt even the best-laid plans is graining on the front tires. Pirelli expressed surprise at the irregular wear observed not just on the medium and soft tires but also, to a lesser extent, on the hard compounds. Should the track continue to punish the front tires, teams may be left with no choice but to consider a two-stop strategy, even if it means trading overall race time for better performance. The likely scenarios for a two-stop strategy include:

– Medium > Hard > Medium: Optimal pit windows between laps 15-21 and 37-43. – Medium > Hard > Hard: Anticipating stops around laps 11-17 and 34-40. – Medium > Hard > Soft: This aggressive two-stop option could feature a final stint on soft tires from laps 40-48, albeit requiring impeccable traffic management and tire degradation oversight.

McLaren’s Strategic Edge: The Role of Piastri

A crucial insight lies in tire selection: while most teams preserved two sets of medium tires, McLaren opted to save two sets of hard tires, indicating their potential vulnerability to front tire graining in 2025. This choice suggests a conservative race strategy focused on long stints on hard tires, minimizing the risk of sudden performance drops.

In this high-stakes scenario, Piastri emerges as the wild card. With the need to win and positioned behind Verstappen and Norris, he is free to deviate from the pack. Whether it’s an early pit stop, a risky two-stop strategy, or extending his first stint for clean air, Piastri has the opportunity to turn the tide. If McLaren splits strategies between the conservative Norris and the aggressive Piastri, the interplay of Safety Car scenarios and the undercut becomes crucial.

Strategies for the Underdogs

Drivers starting from beyond the top ten face unique challenges and incentives. The approach taken by Lewis Hamilton in 2024—beginning on hard tires and stretching the stint to switch to mediums late in the race—could be appealing once again, particularly for those starting from the rear. The most likely alternative in 2025 is a hard-to-soft strategy, aiming to extend the first stint until laps 39-45, hoping for a timely Safety Car that can facilitate a “cheap” stop and a final push with fresh rubber.

As the championship decision unfolds in Abu Dhabi, it promises to be a thrilling blend of raw speed, real-time strategic acumen, and the boldness to veer from the traditional playbook when race conditions demand it. Buckle up—this is one race you won’t want to miss!

Tags: 1958-formula-1-season2025-mclaren-f1-championshipLando Norrismax-verstappen-enOscar Piastri
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