Four drivers, among them Charles Leclerc, have been penalized in Abu Dhabi. Ferrari's chances for the championship take a hit as Charles Leclerc faces a 10-place grid penalty, reports Lewis Larkam from Abu Dhabi.

Charles Leclerc is one of four racers who have received grid penalties for the final race of the F1 season at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Ferrari announced that Leclerc, who secured the 14th spot in the Yas Marina circuit qualifiers, has switched to a new energy unit for the final race of the season.

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Since he is using his third unit out of the two allowed for the year, the driver from Monaco will face a 10-place penalty on the starting grid for Sunday’s grand prix.

Taking into account the grid penalties imposed on other drivers, he will begin the race in 18th position.

It represents a setback for Ferrari's aspirations to surpass McLaren in the race for the constructors' championship title in Abu Dhabi.

The Italian team entered the weekend 21 points behind McLaren, aiming to close the gap.

The McLaren pair will begin the race in the front row, complicating Ferrari's challenge.

Williams teammates face penalties

Alex Albon and Franco Colapinto from the Williams team have been handed grid penalties for the upcoming Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Both racers have gone beyond the permitted amount of gearbox parts for the season, resulting in an automatic penalty that will move each of them five positions back on the starting grid.

The Williams drivers will begin from the rear of the starting lineup.

Nico Hulkenberg from Haas was the fourth driver to receive a penalty.

He achieved an impressive fourth place in qualifying, but received a penalty that moved him three positions down the starting grid for passing another car on the pit exit road.

Hulkenberg is set to begin the race from seventh position.

Lewis frequently travels globally to cover Grand Prix events for Crash.net. He is usually on-site to provide insights into the events and share the narratives of key figures in the motorsport world.

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Lewis Hamilton competes in his final race with Mercedes today, as Nico Rosberg highlights his 'superhuman' talent

Former teammate emphasizes Lewis Hamilton's remarkable ability as he leaves Mercedes

Today marked Lewis Hamilton's last race driving for Mercedes.

Securing a fourth-place finish at the 2024 F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix marked the end of both the current season and Hamilton's illustrious career with Mercedes.

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In 2025, he plans to join Ferrari, concluding a remarkable period during which he secured six out of his seven F1 titles.

Lewis Hamilton's last competition with Mercedes took place in Abu Dhabi. Nico Rosberg, who used to be his teammate, shared his thoughts on Hamilton's remarkable tenure with the team.

He expressed to Sky Sports that witnessing it firsthand was a moving experience for him.

"It's the most successful collaboration between a driver and a team in the history of Formula 1."

"It's unbelievable that it's all wrapping up. He's been part of the Mercedes team for nearly three decades."

"I was present. We began competing in races together at the age of 12. At 13, we were part of the same go-karting team."

"It sends shivers down my spine…"

Rosberg provided an illustration of Hamilton's remarkable skill in driving, stating, "What was it like? He possesses the most extraordinary innate ability that the sport has ever witnessed."

"It's simply incredible."

"There were numerous times when we had identical cars. We'd head out, return, examine the data, and be amazed by his performance. It was incredible, almost beyond human capability!"

"I used to be quite a good driver, too! However, there were numerous times that were absolutely crazy."

In 2016, Rosberg claimed his only Formula 1 championship. During two other seasons when Hamilton secured the title, Rosberg was his teammate.

Rosberg praised him, saying: "It's impressive how he has structured his life to revolve around his achievements."

It has often been demonstrated that a person with talent can secure a single championship victory. However, achieving seven titles requires a life dedicated entirely to racing, with unwavering focus and discipline. He has successfully accomplished this, navigating both the highs and lows along the way.

"Given his history, it was challenging. The world is unpredictable. Yet, he achieved it remarkably well."

Lewis Hamilton has consistently stayed in Formula 1, unlike some other iconic drivers who have taken breaks and then made comebacks.

"Lewis always shows up during the crucial moments," stated Martin Brundle of Sky Sports.

"The distinction between top-tier drivers, such as Lewis and Nico, and skilled drivers like myself in a Formula 1 car, is that the greats consistently perform at their highest level every single day."

"Lewis has shown unwavering dedication. Unlike some drivers who have stepped away for a period, such as Alain Prost, Niki Lauda, and Fernando Alonso."

"Lewis has been consistently dedicated! As he approaches his 40th birthday in January, he continues to find the drive to hit the gym, engage with the simulator, and put in the effort…"

In his last Formula 1 race driving for Mercedes, he impressively moved up from 16th place to finish in fourth.

Toto Wolff expressed his belief that providing Hamilton with a car that could only secure the 18th spot in qualifying was "unacceptable."

However, Hamilton's exceptional performance in his Mercedes managed to salvage the weekend to some extent.

For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter at Sky Sports, where he reported on a variety of sports including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1.

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Max Verstappen's claim of being "above the law" faces scrutiny following a conflict with George Russell. "The only thing left is for them to start a fistfight!"

Questions have arisen about Max Verstappen's honesty following his rejection of George Russell's statements regarding their dispute.

Russell alleged that Verstappen had warned him with the words, “I’ll smash your head into the f***** wall,” but the F1 champion firmly denied making such a statement.

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The lively exchange of words between them has been the main focus leading up to Sunday's F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Max Verstappen and George Russell Clash in Abu Dhabi

Nico Rosberg commented on Sky Sports, "The situation is so tense you’d think a physical fight might break out! It’s definitely more than just a minor disagreement."

"Observing from the outside is exciting, but experiencing it firsthand is truly dreadful!"

"It's all-encompassing. The teams become engaged in it, and the team principals begin to clash. Toto Wolff and Christian Horner have reignited their ongoing dispute over this matter, and even your family gets drawn into it…"

"Within the organization, the atmosphere is extremely tense and pressure-filled."

"There are two perspectives – Max sees himself as a streetfighter who believes he is now in charge and exempt from the rules."

As the Dutch might suggest, George should return to his stroller and be given a plaything to keep him occupied!

"To be truthful, I believe the chances are equal."

Rosberg mentioned that Max threatened to smash George's head against a wall, indicating an end to any friendly relations between them.

It was quickly observed that Verstappen's account of the incident left out the harsh remark.

However, Rosberg is uncertain.

Rosberg recounted an incident from a 2018 press conference, saying, "We're discussing Max, who warned all the reporters present: 'If anyone brings it up again, I'll headbutt you.'"

Max Verstappen faces off against George Russell at the F1 drivers' dinner. The customary GPDA end-of-year gathering. #RacingUnitedFor our sport, our safety, and our fans. pic.twitter.com/1NfVJrFNXh — alex wurz (@alex_wurz) December 7, 2024

The annual GPDA end-of-season meeting. #RacingUnitedFor our sport, our safety, and our fans. pic.twitter.com/1NfVJrFNXh

The yearly dinner for drivers was held in Abu Dhabi, where Lando Norris hinted that Max Verstappen and George Russell, who have been in conflict, were purposefully seated at a distance from each other.

A photograph taken by Alex Wurz of the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association placed the competitors side by side.

Rosberg chuckled and remarked, "I was told it was just by chance that they both wound up being the main focus!"

"The weekend had its fair share of uncomfortable moments, but this one topped the list according to reports."

Danica Patrick mentioned that during the dinner, a spot was intentionally left vacant beside Max for George.

Signs of a possible reconciliation have emerged between Verstappen and Russell.

"We have disagreements, but I'm confident we'll resolve them," Verstappen stated.

"However, taking a short rest is nice. I'm confident that we'll meet again in Monaco."

The disagreement originated in Qatar last week, when the stewards called both drivers in for a meeting.

Verstappen received a grid penalty and suggested that Russell contributed to the decision made by the stewards to penalize him.

For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter at Sky Sports, where he reported on a wide range of events including American sports, football, and Formula 1.

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Max Verstappen's claim of being "above the law" is under scrutiny following a confrontation with George Russell. Observers noted that the situation only needed physical blows to escalate further.

Doubts have been cast on Max Verstappen's innocence following his rejection of George Russell's assertions regarding their dispute.

Russell asserted that Verstappen had warned he would "slam my head into the f***** wall," a statement which the F1 champion firmly denied.

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The lively exchange of words between them has been the main focus leading up to the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday.

Max Verstappen and George Russell have a heated exchange in Abu Dhabi. "They're practically one step away from a physical fight! This is more than just a small disagreement," Nico Rosberg commented for Sky Sports.

"Observing it from afar is exciting, but experiencing it firsthand is truly dreadful!"

"It's all-encompassing. The teams engage deeply, leading to clashes between the team leaders, with Toto Wolff and Christian Horner reigniting their rivalry over the issue. Even family members become part of the fray…"

"Inside, the atmosphere is extremely intense and filled with stress."

"There are two perspectives – Max sees himself as a streetfighter who believes he's now in charge and untouchable."

As the Dutch might put it, George needs to be placed back in his stroller, and you should hand him a toy!

"In my opinion, it's an equal chance."

Rosberg mentioned that Max threatened to smash George's head into a wall, indicating that their interactions would no longer be friendly.

Observers quickly observed that Verstappen's account of the incident omitted that harsh remark.

However, Rosberg remains uncertain.

Rosberg recounted an incident from a 2018 press conference, where Max warned the journalists present, saying, "If anyone brings it up again, I'll headbutt you."

Max Verstappen and George Russell were both present at the F1 drivers' dinner. The event was the customary end-of-season meeting organized by the Grand Prix Drivers' Association (GPDA). The gathering emphasized unity in racing, safety, and appreciation for fans. The occasion was shared on social media by Alex Wurz on December 7, 2024, with the hashtag #RacingUnited.

The yearly dinner event for drivers was held in Abu Dhabi, where Lando Norris hinted that Max Verstappen and George Russell, who have been at odds, were deliberately seated separately.

A photograph shared by Alex Wurz from the Grand Prix Drivers’ Association showed the competitors positioned side by side.

Rosberg chuckled as he remarked, "I was told it was just by chance that they both ended up in the spotlight together!"

"According to what I've been told, it was the most uncomfortable instance of the entire weekend."

Danica Patrick mentioned, “It seems that during the dinner, they reserved an empty seat for George right beside Max!”

Signs of a possible reconciliation between Verstappen and Russell have begun to emerge.

Verstappen mentioned that they have disagreements but is confident they will resolve them.

"However, taking a short pause is beneficial. I'm confident that we'll meet again in Monaco."

The disagreement originated in Qatar last week when the officials called both drivers into the stewards' room.

Verstappen received a grid penalty and suggested that Russell was partially responsible for the stewards' decision to penalize him.

For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter at Sky Sports, where he reported on a wide range of topics including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1.

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A $10 million offer proposed to secure Daniel Ricciardo's commitment

"Efforts are underway to secure his approval, with almost no financial limits."

According to reports, Daniel Ricciardo might be presented with a deal that promises to do "whatever it takes" to bring him back into racing.

However, it appears that a Formula 1 team is not the one looking to hire him.

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Toyota has emerged as the surprising company reportedly considering a $10 million agreement with Ricciardo.

Daniel Ricciardo Joining Toyota?

Rumors suggest that Ricciardo might compete in NASCAR in the U.S. and participate in Supercars racing in Australia under the new agreement.

According to a report from Race.news, a former executive from Toyota has revealed the company's interest in Ricciardo.

Akio Toyoda, who serves as the chairman of Toyota Motor Corporation, is said to have led a confidential meeting to deliberate on the matter.

According to a source, Toyoda-san recognizes Ricciardo's worth not only as a racer but also as someone who can attract a large number of fans due to his inherent charm.

Toyota is aiming to make a significant impact with their entry into the Australian Supercars series in 2026, while also participating with their Toyota Gazoo Racing team in NASCAR.

According to a source from Toyota, Toyoda sees no drawbacks in having him represent Gazoo Racing, which is essentially his favorite initiative.

"Based on the information I've received, it seems like they're willing to offer him nearly unlimited resources to secure his agreement."

Is Daniel Ricciardo's future in Formula 1 uncertain? Ricciardo was let go by McLaren at the conclusion of the 2022 season, but he made a comeback to the racing scene with AlphaTauri, the affiliate team of Red Bull, partway through 2023.

Christian Horner was impressed by his lap time during a test drive in a Red Bull car.

Daniel Ricciardo expressed his intention to rejoin the primary team alongside Max Verstappen, but that goal was never achieved.

Following his return, a hand injury provided Liam Lawson with a brief opportunity to showcase his talent.

Even though Ricciardo kept his position with the newly named RB team this year, he faced difficulties throughout the season. Ultimately, Lawson took over his spot for good.

Ricciardo is not expected to compete in Formula 1 in 2025, suggesting that his time in the championship may have come to an end.

For ten years, James worked as a sports journalist at Sky Sports, reporting on a wide range of topics including American sports, football, and Formula 1.

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The $20 Million Battle Underlying the McLaren-Ferrari F1 Championship Duel

As McLaren and Ferrari compete for the F1 constructors' championship, another significant financial clash is unfolding, reports Lewis Larkam from Abu Dhabi.

The battle for the F1 constructors' championship between McLaren and Ferrari is expected to be the main focus at this Sunday's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

McLaren, currently leading by 21 points and with their drivers starting at the top of the grid, are poised to secure their first constructors' championship since 1998, and their first overall title since 2008. Meanwhile, a victory for Ferrari would bring an end to a 16-year drought in winning the teams' championship.

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Meanwhile, a bit further down the starting lineup, there's a crucial competition underway for the constructors' championship title.

This is the battle to claim sixth place in the championship standings. Alpine is currently in possession of the desired position, but they have only a four-point lead over Haas.

Red Bull still has a slim chance in the competition, trailing by 13 points, but pulling off the necessary points shift seems improbable. This is particularly true as both of their drivers are starting the race outside the top 10 and behind their competitors.

The focus is primarily on the competition between Alpine and Haas. Pierre Gasly is set to begin the race in fifth position for Alpine, while Nico Hulkenberg is starting from seventh. Hulkenberg, the German driver, delivered an impressive performance during Saturday night's session, securing fourth place on the starting grid, but was subsequently given a three-place penalty.

The penalty of starting further back on the grid is certainly a setback for Haas. They must outperform Alpine by five points to surpass the French team in the standings and secure at least a $20 million shift in prize money if they succeed.

Haas seems to have a speedier vehicle compared to Alpine. With Kevin Magnussen beginning in 14th place and Jack Doohan in 17th, both representing Haas and Alpine respectively, Sunday's grand prix promises an intriguing narrative.

'A Close and Challenging Contest'

Following the confirmation of Hulkenberg's penalty, Haas team leader Ayao Komatsu expressed: "I'm experiencing a range of emotions after the qualifying session. The car's speed was incredible, and I believe both drivers demonstrated remarkable speed too."

Kevin attempted to avoid Hamilton, but in doing so, he drove over the curb, which caused considerable harm to his vehicle. During Q2, the car's aerodynamic performance was heavily compromised, leaving him with no opportunity to advance to Q3.

During the first qualifying session, Nico illegally passed other cars in the pit lane, resulting in a three-place grid penalty. While this is a setback, his performance in the third qualifying round and throughout the event demonstrated impressive speed. We have a robust car with excellent pace, and we'll strive to achieve the best possible position.

Hulkenberg is preparing for a challenging and close competition against Alpine.

"Alpine has been performing well recently, but with the competition being so tight, the outcome really hinges on key racing moments and our strategy," he stated. "For me, it's crucial that we make the most of tomorrow's race, ensuring we give it our all and end the night on a positive note."

Gasly agreed with Hulkenberg's evaluation, remarking, "Nico has suddenly become very powerful, which was quite impressive. They've been strong throughout the weekend and definitely had an advantage over us. I'm really pleased that we managed to narrow the gap – it was just a tenth in the end, so we're set for an exciting battle tomorrow."

Lewis frequently goes to various Grands Prix events worldwide for Crash.net. He typically covers the events from the location, sharing the narratives of key figures in the racing world.

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Are four Formula 1 drivers about to compete in their final race?

Four racers expected to bid farewell to Formula 1 in Abu Dhabi.

Today might mark the final occasion where we witness four Formula 1 drivers participating in a grand prix race.

The concluding race of the 2024 Formula 1 season will be the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and the 2025 roster of F1 drivers is set to introduce a fresh dynamic.

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Which Formula 1 drivers will leave the sport following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix? Valtteri Bottas has not secured a position for the 2025 season.

He aims to earn points for Sauber in his last race, expressing to Sky Sports that while it's gratifying, the upgrade has come quite late in the season.

"There's a saying that your most recent race defines your ability. Let's aim for a strong performance…"

"Emotions are involved. It's a distinct sensation due to the unknowns about the future."

"Inside the car, everything stays the same. However, things feel a little strange both before getting in and after getting out."

Sauber, set to transition into Audi by 2026, has decided to bring Nico Hulkenberg from Haas on board and advance Formula 2's Gabriel Bortoleto to their team for the upcoming season.

This implies that experienced driver Bottas found himself without options, and he may consider going back to Mercedes in the role of a reserve driver.

During his peak performance period, Bottas secured victory in 10 grand prix races while racing for Mercedes.

Valtteri Bottas' present teammate at Sauber, Guanyu Zhou, may compete today for what could be his final race.

Zhou made history as the first Chinese driver to compete in Formula 1 when he joined the sport in 2022.

Sauber's choice to bring in two new drivers for the 2025 season means he will be left without a spot on the team. However, Zhou, who is just 25 years old, might still hold hopes of returning to the racing scene.

Sergio Perez's career hangs in the balance, as it could be his final race with Red Bull.

Throughout the season, there has been ongoing speculation about his future. However, Christian Horner, the head of Red Bull, has stopped assuring that Perez will be back.

Although he has a contract for the upcoming year, many in the Formula 1 community expect that he will not continue with Red Bull following the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Once the season wraps up, a meeting involving the shareholders is anticipated to officially determine Perez's future.

Horner stated enigmatically that he would draw his 'own conclusions' regarding what lies ahead for Perez.

His failure to earn points this season is a major factor in Red Bull losing its lead in the constructors’ championship to McLaren and Ferrari.

Kevin Magnussen Exits Formula 1

Long-time Formula 1 driver Kevin Magnussen is set to bid farewell to the racing community this Sunday in Abu Dhabi.

Haas has decided to advance newcomer Ollie Bearman for the upcoming year and has reached an agreement with Alpine's Esteban Ocon.

That announcement marks the conclusion of Magnussen's tenure with the Haas team, and despite his attempts, he has not secured a position for the upcoming year.

Kevin Magnussen, aged 32, has competed in Formula 1 for nine seasons.

He has signed a contract with BMW to compete in sports car racing next year.

For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, where he reported on a wide range of sports, including American sports, football, and Formula 1.

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Conspiracy theories debunked regarding Mercedes' handling of Lewis Hamilton in their most recent race. Some are suggesting that the team is shifting their focus towards George.

Nico Rosberg has dismissed a conspiracy theory regarding how Mercedes has been handling Lewis Hamilton lately.

Lewis Hamilton is preparing to compete in his last race for Mercedes during today's F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

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This will conclude an impressive period during which he claimed six out of his total seven drivers' championships.

Mercedes is upset following the Abu Dhabi qualifying session. Meanwhile, Hamilton is set to begin his last race with Mercedes in the 16th position on the starting grid.

Starting in 18th place, he gained from others' grid penalties after hitting a bollard in the last part of the first qualifying session on Saturday.

Toto Wolff expressed his frustration over the "foolish and unjustifiable" choices that resulted in Hamilton struggling at the rear of the pack.

During an interview with Sky Sports, Rosberg mentioned that Wolff prefers to retreat to his room and spend some time alone in his chair, away from others.

"That's how I see it."

"He ought to give them thirty minutes for their meeting before having a discussion with them afterward."

"He tends to respond excessively, so it's best if he remains distant for some time."

Rosberg responded to baseless allegations suggesting that Hamilton, who has consistently been outperformed in qualifying by his teammate George Russell this season, has received unequal treatment from Mercedes ever since he revealed his plans to move to Ferrari in 2025.

Rosberg mentioned that there is global pressure regarding this situation.

Some people are saying that the team is focusing more on George, as Lewis is nearing the end of his time with them.

"It's not true! Until the final moment, the team offered equal chances to both drivers."

"It's crucial for Toto to demonstrate his backing for Lewis right up until the end."

"It's terrible to make such a big mistake; it's an awful conclusion."

"The weekend was full of celebrations, and there was an opportunity to finish on the podium. It could have been a memorable farewell."

Toto Wolff expressed a desire for one final positive experience. Danica Patrick mentioned that the history and significance of their long-standing relationship were palpable during this final race.

"Their speed gave them a real shot at securing a podium finish, which would have been a wonderful farewell. Watching that opportunity fade away…"

"You can sense his emotions and see how deeply he cares, yearning for one final cherished moment."

The partnership between Hamilton and Mercedes stands as the most successful in the history of Formula 1.

In the upcoming year, he will strive to secure an unprecedented eighth championship title while representing Ferrari, known for their iconic red cars.

For the past three seasons, Hamilton has been with a Mercedes team that has not performed well during Red Bull's recent period of supremacy.

For ten years, James worked as a sports reporter for Sky Sports, where he reported on a wide range of topics including American sports, soccer, and Formula 1 racing.

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2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix F1 – LIVE COVERAGE – Lewis Hamilton's last race with Mercedes

Follow live commentary as the 2024 Formula 1 season concludes with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

We have reached the 24th and last race of the 2024 F1 season.

The race at the Yas Marina Circuit is set to be an emotional event as Lewis Hamilton departs from Mercedes afterward.

In a similar vein, we bid farewell, at least temporarily, to Valtteri Bottas, Zhou Guanyu, and Kevin Magnussen.

Sergio Perez might be facing his final Formula 1 race, as reports suggest that Red Bull plans to replace the Mexican driver with Liam Lawson for the next season.

In the race dynamics, McLaren currently holds a 21-point lead over Ferrari, positioning them to potentially secure their first F1 constructors' championship since 1998.

The event begins at 1 p.m. in the UK.

Leclerc is entering the pit lane to change to new hard tires. His aim is to perform an undercut on Russell.

The difference between the leading two is approximately 4.1 seconds. Currently, McLaren is on track to secure the constructors' championship.

The list of individuals includes Norris, Sainz, Russell, Leclerc, Verstappen, Hamilton, Lawson, Gasly, Tsunoda, and Hulkenberg.

Zhou received a five-second penalty due to starting prematurely.

He has positioned himself within the DRS zone behind Russell as they compete for third place.

The list includes Norris, Sainz, Gasly, Russell, Leclerc, Verstappen, Hamilton, Lawson, Tsunoda, and Doohan.

Several drivers from the middle of the pack, including Hulkenberg, Alonso, Magnussen, Albon, and Zhou, have pitted for new tires.

He advances his Ferrari to fifth position after passing Hulkenberg. Meanwhile, Hamilton climbs to tenth place by overtaking Lawson.

There is currently a 3.5-second gap between the leading pair, with Norris maintaining his lead at the front.

After passing Alonso, he advances to sixth place driving the Ferrari. It is important to remember that his race began from the 19th position.

Piastri received a 10-second penalty for colliding with Colapinto.

Lando Norris records the quickest lap of the race, with a 3.1-second difference between the leading pair.

Gasly continues to hold off Russell as they compete for a spot on the podium.

Bottas received a 10-second penalty due to a collision with Perez during the first lap.

Verstappen received a 10-second penalty due to the incident with Piastri at the first turn.

Lando Norris, Carlos Sainz, Pierre Gasly, George Russell, Nico Hulkenberg, Fernando Alonso, Kevin Magnussen, Charles Leclerc, Lance Stroll, and Max Verstappen.

Video footage reveals that Piastri collided with the rear of Colapinto’s car. As a result, Colapinto is forced to make a pit stop because of a tire puncture.

As the Virtual Safety Car period concludes, Norris holds a solid lead of 3.1 seconds ahead of Sainz. Meanwhile, Russell aggressively attempts to overtake Gasly.

Lando Norris, Carlos Sainz, Pierre Gasly, George Russell, Nico Hulkenberg, Fernando Alonso, Kevin Magnussen, Charles Leclerc, Lance Stroll, Liam Lawson, Max Verstappen, Lewis Hamilton, Valtteri Bottas, Guanyu Zhou, Alexander Albon, Jack Doohan, Yuki Tsunoda, Franco Colapinto, and Oscar Piastri.

Perez appears to be unable to continue in the competition as the Virtual Safety Car is now in effect.

Norris takes the lead as they enter Turn 1, while Verstappen causes Piastri to spin. Excitement unfolds on the first lap in Abu Dhabi.

The final race of the season is currently taking place in Abu Dhabi. Can McLaren secure the constructors' championship?

Norris takes the lead as the drivers start the formation lap in Abu Dhabi.

All drivers are using medium tires, except for Hamilton, who is on hard

The battle for the constructors' championship remains intense, with McLaren trailing Ferrari by just 21 points.

Alpine and Haas are competing for the sixth position in the rankings.

The final conversation before the race between Lewis Hamilton and Bono #F1#AbuDhabiGPpic.twitter.com/pu6pmRPy2b— Lewis Larkam (@Lewis_Larkam) December 8, 2024

The final conversation before the race between Lewis Hamilton and Bono #F1#AbuDhabiGPpic.twitter.com/pu6pmRPy2b

The 2024 graduating class, excluding Ocon

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2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – F1 Qualifying Outcomes

Complete list of qualifying outcomes for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which marks the 24th race in the 2024 Formula 1 World Championship series.

Below are the complete outcomes from the qualifying session of the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix:

McLaren secured the top two starting positions in an important qualifying round at the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

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McLaren has a chance to secure the F1 constructors' championship title this weekend. They currently hold a 21-point lead over Ferrari as they approach the last race scheduled for Sunday.

Carlos Sainz is the top Ferrari driver, securing third place, following Charles Leclerc's elimination in Q2 when his fastest lap was invalidated due to exceeding track limits.

Leclerc is set to begin the race at the very end of the starting lineup because of a penalty related to his engine.

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Lando Norris aims to outpace Ferrari with flair following his pole position at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. "Our goal is to surpass Ferrari, and we want to do it with style. Winning is what we desire, and I am eager to achieve victory."

Lando Norris aims to secure a win to wrap up his 2024 Formula 1 season, while McLaren concentrates on winning the constructors' championship at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

McLaren is well-placed to clinch the championship at the Yas Marina Circuit, having claimed the top two spots on the starting grid.

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Norris secured his eighth pole position of the season, outpacing his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri.

Ferrari faces a challenging situation after Charles Leclerc was eliminated in the second qualifying session.

Due to an engine replacement, he will begin the race from the last position on the grid, having received a 10-place penalty.

After the qualifying session at the Yas Marina Circuit, Norris expressed his desire to outpace Ferrari "in style" and secure the constructors' championship with a win on Sunday.

"It was an excellent day for our team, though it proved to be more challenging than anticipated," Norris remarked. "We’re happy to have secured the first and second positions. It was somewhat more difficult than we had hoped. My final lap was solid, which is exactly the conclusion we were aiming for today."

"Our goal is to outperform Ferrari, but we aim to do it with flair. Winning is our objective, and it's certainly mine as well. We understand the necessary steps we need to take. By maintaining our concentration and staying grounded, we are committed to securing victory in every race we can. Tomorrow presents a promising opportunity for us."

"We'll put in our maximum effort, fully aware of what it takes to reach our objective. We're extremely pleased. The team has performed outstandingly. It was a great way to finish the year's qualifying session."

McLaren's Impressive Comeback

Under the guidance of Zak Brown and Andrea Stella, McLaren has experienced an impressive resurgence.

At the beginning of 2023, McLaren had the least competitive car, resulting in no points earned in the initial races.

A new upgrade package unveiled in Austria significantly improved their performance, elevating the team from mid-table competitors to frequent podium achievers.

At the start of the year, McLaren was the third quickest team, but as they introduced more improvements, Norris and Piastri ended up with the fastest car.

Consequently, McLaren is now poised to secure their first constructors' championship victory since 1998.

As they approach the race, their advantage over Ferrari stands at 21 points.

A third and fourth place finish will secure McLaren the championship title in the constructors' category, putting them ahead of their competitors.

With a keen awareness of the controversies and narratives within Formula 1, Connor is central to maintaining our objective reporting.

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Toto Wolff says sorry to Lewis Hamilton for "foolish error" | "We completely failed him"

A frustrated Toto Wolff has expressed regret to Lewis Hamilton after the qualifying session in Abu Dhabi.

Toto Wolff has apologized to Lewis Hamilton after Hamilton's unexpected elimination in the first qualifying session at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, acknowledging that the team "completely failed him."

Hamilton was eliminated in the first qualifying session after hitting a bollard in the last part of his lap at the Yas Marina Circuit.

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The seven-time world champion faced bad luck when a bollard became lodged under his car, a situation that arose after it was placed on the track by Haas driver Kevin Magnussen.

If it hadn't been for that, Hamilton probably would have reached Q2 in his last race with Mercedes, although there had been challenges leading up to that point.

Hamilton barely made it across the start-finish line in time, as traffic posed an issue for both Mercedes drivers. Consequently, he began his last Q1 attempt with his tires not fully warmed up.

After qualifying in Abu Dhabi, Wolff's frustration was evident as he labeled Mercedes' mistake both "foolish" and "unforgivable."

In an interview with Sky Sports, Wolff expressed his regret, saying, "I must apologize to Lewis." He also extended his apologies to the entire team, acknowledging their hard work in striving to create a positive outcome for him.

"He was faster due to the setup we selected for the car as part of our tests for the upcoming year. We completely failed him. It was a foolish error not to start sooner."

"Unforgivable, truly unforgivable. I've seldom felt so disheartened by recent events."

"This situation might reflect the recent races we've experienced with him, but this instance is particularly bad because it was simply foolish."

"The Hamilton-Mercedes legacy remains intact"

Hamilton will leave Mercedes following the conclusion of Sunday's race as he prepares to join Ferrari in 2025.

The partnership between Hamilton and Mercedes stands as the most triumphant in the history of the sport.

The 39-year-old has secured six out of his seven championships with the team from Brackley, achieving more than 80 race wins.

Wolff emphasized that this does not "damage the legacy we built with him," although it marked a disappointing conclusion to their partnership.

"We were fortunate that both of them managed to navigate through the other racers," Wolff commented.

"Perhaps it could have succeeded if not for the bollard. In a Q1 session where we clearly had the speed to advance, taking such a big risk wasn't necessary."

"Our most esteemed racing driver, considered the greatest in the history of this sport, was eliminated in the first qualifying round due to our error. While this doesn't tarnish the legacy we've built with him, I can only express my apologies to him."

Connor, who keenly observes the controversies and narratives in F1, serves as the core of our objective reporting.

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