Abu Dhabi brings along a proper mix of corners on a highly spacious track-layout. Fast bends in sector 1 are followed by the hairpin in which Max Verstappen overtook Lewis Hamilton in 2021 on his way to a first championship. Sector 2 has lengthy straights interrupted by a tight chicane, followed by the most technical part of the track in Sector 3. Even though there is a massive corner variation at this track, the power unit will be the most important aspect to succeed in the race.

The first press conferences are planned for Thursday December 4. FP1 and FP2 will take place one day later, on December 5. Saturday December 6 will feature the final Practice Session before Grand Prix Qualifying, finally, on Sunday December 7 it is time for the Qatar Grand Prix.

The Abu Dhabi GP can be followed live on GPblog an hour before each session. As with all other Grands Prix, the race will be broadcast live on Sky Sports and F1TV Pro, as well as qualifying and free practice sessions.

Track time

Free Practice 1: Friday, December 5 13:30-14:30 

Free Practice 2: Friday, December 5 17:00-18:00 

Free Practice 3: Saturday, December 6 14:30-15:30 

Qualifying: Saturday, December 6 18:00-19:00 

Race: Sunday, December 7 17:00-19:00

CET

Free Practice 1: Friday, December 5 10:30-11:30 

Free Practice 2: Friday, December 5 14:00-15:00 

Free Practice 3: Saturday, December 6 11:30-12:30 

Qualifying: Saturday, December 6 15:00-16:00 

Race: Sunday, December 7 14:00-16:00

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is the twenty-fourth and final race on the 2025 F1 calendar – taking place after the Qatar GP. View the full 2025 F1 calendar here.

In 2025, Formula 1 will once again be broadcast in the UK by Sky Sports. All F1 sessions across the weekend will be available on their broadcasting channel, with live commentary by David Croft and ex-F1 driver Martin Brundle. Sky Sports will also provide pre- and post-race coverage of qualifying and the Grand Prix.

Another option to watch Formula 1 live is through F1TV Pro, the official streaming service of Formula 1. F1TV Pro broadcasts all the sessions from the Abu Dhabi GP live, and viewers have the ability to choose their preferred commentators as well.

The drivers title had already been decided, but it was all to play for in the constructors championship between Ferrari and McLaren heading into the final race of the year. Max Verstappen enthusiastically dived into a gap that did not exist at the start, and spun off with Oscar Piastri. Both drivers did carry on with their races. The Red Bull driver was handed a 10 second time penalty for his actions. Lando Norris maintained the lead from pole and was followed by Carlos Sainz. Another incident happened in the chicane splitting the two long backstraights, as Bottas divebombed Perez who turned in and spun around, unable to restart the car. Leclerc easily made his way to the front of the pack, from the last row on the grid the Monegasque climbed up to third. The double podium, however, would not be enough for the Scuderia as they lost out in the championship to McLaren. A special moment occurred for Lewis Hamilton after the race, he departed from the Mercedes team. Together with the German team, the Brit had won six driver’s titles and eight constructor’s titles.

Hamilton has been quite successful at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix throughout his career. Though his track-record is not quite as impressive as on some other tracks, the seven-time world champion could finally celebrate his titles after the season finale on six occasions. 

The most memorable title deciders at Yas Marina, however, were races in which Hamilton failed to secure the title. 2016, for example, delivered a thrilling title decider after a season long battle between Mercedes teammates Nico Rosberg and the British veteran. Rosberg executed the race to perfection, and claimed his only F1 title. 

Once more, Abu Dhabi played its part as championship decider in 2021. The safety car controversy after a crash by Nicholas Latifi led to a situation in which Hamilton had to fend off Verstappen in the final lap. The Brit had dominated the race up until that point, but was unable to pit for fresh tires under the neutralisation, something which the Red Bull driver did manage to do. In the Turn 5 hairpin, Verstappen sent it down the inside and edged away on corner exit on his fresh rubber. The Mercedes driver made a fierce attempt, but was unable to fight back and prevent the Dutchman from winning his first-ever championship.