The grand finale of the 2024 Formula 1 season unfolds this weekend at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, delivering the perfect backdrop for an epic showdown. While Max Verstappen has long secured his fourth consecutive drivers’ championship, the spotlight shifts to a heated constructors’ championship battle between McLaren and Ferrari.
With McLaren leading Ferrari by 21 points, the stakes couldn’t be higher as both teams chase their first constructors’ title in decades—McLaren since 1998 and Ferrari since 2008. The twilight-to-night spectacle promises drama, speed, and precision, offering a fitting climax to an exhilarating season.
Abu Dhabi GP: Start Times Around the World
Here’s when and where to tune in to catch every moment of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday, December 8:
- Gulf Standard Time (GST): 17:00 (Local Time)
- United Kingdom (GMT): 13:00
- Eastern Time (ET, USA/Canada): 08:00
- Pacific Time (PT, USA/Canada): 05:00
- Australia (AEDT): 00:00 (Monday)
- New Zealand (NZDT): 02:00 (Monday)
Weekend Schedule Highlights
The weekend offers plenty of action, with every session critical as teams fine-tune their setups and strategies. Here’s the full schedule (local Gulf Standard Time):
- Friday, December 6
- FP1: 13:30 – 14:30
- FP2: 17:00 – 18:00 (Key session as it runs under race conditions)
- Saturday, December 7
- FP3: 14:30 – 15:30
- Qualifying: 17:00 – 18:00 (Set under twilight for maximum spectacle)
- Sunday, December 8
- Race: 17:00 (60 laps of Yas Marina’s high-speed straights and technical sectors)
What’s at Stake?
- McLaren’s Resurgence:
- Riding high after a remarkable season, McLaren aims to cement their comeback with a constructors’ title—something they haven’t achieved since Mika Häkkinen’s golden years in 1998.
- Star drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have delivered consistent results, keeping McLaren ahead in the standings.
- Ferrari’s Grit:
- Ferrari, with Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, are determined to break their title drought. They need a near-perfect weekend, including a 1-2 finish, to claw back the 21-point deficit and triumph.
- The Thrill of the Twilight Battle:
- The unique Yas Marina schedule, transitioning from day to night, adds a dramatic flair. Teams must master changing temperatures and track conditions to gain a competitive edge.
Why You Can’t Miss It
The 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix isn’t just about a championship—it’s about legacy. For McLaren, it’s a chance to reclaim glory. For Ferrari, it’s about restoring pride. And for fans, it’s a breathtaking spectacle as history is made under the dazzling Yas Marina lights.
Who will emerge victorious in this electrifying finale? Tune in to find out!
