2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix preview: timings, how to watch, and more

Hot topics ahead of the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

It’s been 16 years since Ferrari was last crowned constructors’ champion, though that pales in comparison to McLaren’s 26-year wait. Needless to say, both teams will be desperate to come out on top in this title-deciding grand prix. The two are separated by just 21 points going into this weekend, a tally bolstered by the Papaya outfit’s one-two finish in Qatar’s sprint race, though Norris’ ten second stop-go penalty in the grand prix cost McLaren the additional points that might have made the standings a slightly more comfortable read. All four drivers, then, must be fully focused if their team is to be celebrating when the chequered flag is waved.

Further down the standings, the other major fight is that for sixth place. Alpine reclaimed the position last weekend thanks to Pierre Gasly’s fifth place finish – the team now leads Haas by five points and chasing RB by 13, and with millions of pounds worth of prize money at stake it’s critical to end the season as high as possible. As Alpine looks to do just that, it will be Jack Doohan who will partner Gasly in Abu Dhabi, the team choosing to release Esteban Ocon – who departs for current rivals Haas in 2025 – ahead of the season’s finale, much to Ocon’s personal disappointment. Doohan now gets an early start to his F1 career.

A piece of history will be made this weekend, too, as Charles and Arthur Leclerc will become the first pair of brothers to drive in a F1 session as team-mates when the two head out on track for Practice 1. There are two mandated rookie driver sessions each team must fulfil over a season, but the man Ferrari would usually call on – Oliver Bearman, can no longer be classified as a rookie, having already been called as a substitute in grands prix for both the Scuderia and Haas in 2024. Therefore, it’s Leclerc’s younger brother and the team’s development driver, Arthur, who gets the call up. He’ll be taking Carlos Sainz Jr.’s seat, in what is the Spaniard’s last race with Ferrari. 

And as some doors open, others must close. Lewis Hamilton will contest his final race for Mercedes this weekend before replacing Sainz at Ferrari for 2025. Six drivers’ titles and eight constructors’ championships later, Abu Dhabi marks the end of an 11-year partnership which delivered unparalleled success. This season has been hugely disappointing and Hamilton’s frustrations – particularly in recent weeks, have been no secret. But victory at the Belgian Grand Prix and an emotional, record-breaking ninth win at Silverstone means there is something positive to look back on from 2024. Hamilton is the most successful driver at the Yas Marina circuit with five wins, and a strong showing at this weekend’s race would be the dream way to bring the curtain down on an historic chapter of F1 history.

When can I watch the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?

Action at the Yas Marina circuit begins on Friday, with Free Practice 1 starting at 09:30 UK time (13:30 local time), followed by Free Practice 2 at 13:00 (17:00). Free Practice 3 takes place at 10:30 (14:30) on Saturday ahead of qualifying at 14:00 (18:00). Lights out for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is at 13:00 (17:00) on Sunday 8^th December.

How to watch the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Sky Sports retains exclusive rights to all live coverage of F1 in the UK. Every session of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be shown live and uninterrupted on Sky Sports F1.

US viewers can catch all the action on ESPN, and Australian audiences can watch on Kayo Sports. The F1 TV Pro app also provides coverage of every F1 session across the weekend to several countries the world over.

Which series are supporting in Abu Dhabi?

Both Formula 2 and F1 Academy are in action this weekend for the final race of the respective seasons.

In a strange twist, Abbi Pulling will have to win the F1 Academy title she thought she clinched in Qatar again, after an extra race has been added to the schedule in Abu Dhabi. This comes after race two in Lusail was cancelled due to repairs to the circuit, so this additional race is intended to give drivers back that missed time on track. It also means that, mathematically, Pulling’s closest challenger, Doriane Pin, is still in contention. 84 points remain on the table, but Pulling’s 83-point lead means she remains all but certain to (re) win the title.

It's a much tighter affair in F2, however. Gabriel Bortoleto, set to join the F1 grid with Sauber in 2025, has a fractional lead over Isack Hadjar in the championship going into the final race. Hadjar has closed the gap to the extent where the pair are separated by a miniscule 0.5 points with one race to go. 

Meanwhile, the Formula 3 season concluded back in Monza, with Leonardo Fornaroli dramatically securing the drivers’ championship ahead of Gabriele Minì.

Images courtesy of Motorsport Images.