Photo: Race Pictures

Abu Dhabi GP: start time and full schedule for the title-deciding race

07:39, 01 Dec

Updated: 07:46, 01 Dec

byTobia Elia

Let’s take a look at the full schedule for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix — the season finale where the title fight will finally crown a winner between the two McLaren drivers and Max Verstappen.

With the Qatar weekend in the books — one that saw the four-time world champion come out on top ahead of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, with Carlos Sainz’s Williams splitting the two McLarens — the title fight now goes all the way to the finale. Just like in 2021, and again last year with Ferrari and McLaren, the championship will be decided in the very last round.

Norris now leads the standings with just 12 points over Verstappen and 16 over his teammate — a margin that’s still comfortable enough to let him seal the championship as long as he finishes inside the top three.

The pressure will sit squarely on his shoulders — and on McLaren’s as well — with the team unable to afford another major blunder after the Las Vegas disqualification and the decision to keep both cars out on track, a strategy that ultimately backfired.

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri - Photo: Race Pictures

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2025 Abu Dhabi GP - Full Schedule

Qatar will see a return to the traditional weekend format, giving teams three practice sessions to dial in their cars and strategies ahead of the race.

Friday, 5 December kicks off with FP1 at 10:30 and FP2 at 14:00, allowing teams to gather crucial data on tire performance and track conditions.

Saturday, 6 December continues with FP3 at 11:30, followed by the all-important qualifying session at 15:00 to determine the starting grid. The season finale takes place on Sunday, 7 December, with the race starting at 14:00.

Friday, 5 December

10:30 – Free Practice 1 (09:30 UK)
14:00 – Free Practice 2 (13:00 UK)

Saturday, 6 December

11:30 – Free Practice 3 (10:30 UK)
15:00 – Qualifying (14:00 UK)

Sunday, 7 December

14:00 – Race (13:00 UK)

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