Nikita Mazepin, meanwhile, has tested positive and won't take part (not that he'd have finished anywhere other than last anyway). But Hamilton's Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas could only manage sixth and may not be able to help out much. And that means whoever finishes ahead here will be crowned champion.Įlsewhere on the grid, Lando Norris will start third after a superb lap, with Sergio Perez in the second Red Bull fourth. Frankly, it might be more fitting if the title was decided in the boxing ring.įortunately, it will instead be decided on the track, with the rivals level on points going into the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. They've collided three times and come close about a dozen more there have been accusations of cheating and bad sportsmanship. Since the pair first went wheel to wheel at the opening Bahrain Grand Prix right up until last week's drama in Saudi Arabia, they've traded fastest laps, pole positions, victories and the title lead multiple times.Īlong the way, there's been drama, controversy, rancor and outright hostility. In short, it keeps everyone guessing as to how the race might play out, and that's entirely in keeping with a season that has seemingly been scripted by Hollywood. Though Verstappen was fastest ahead of Lewis Hamilton, he will start on the soft tires whereas the Mercedes man will be on mediums.Īs a result, Verstappen should be able to open up a lead from the start - assuming nothing goes wrong in the first corner - but it also means Hamilton will be able to pit later, and that he'll have the quicker rubber later in the race. The big news ahead of the race is that Max Verstappen of Red Bull will be on pole after a thrilling qualifying session yesterday that raised as many questions as it answered.

Watch anywhere - Try ExpressVPN 100% risk free (opens in new tab).Watch on ESPN2 via Sling (opens in new tab) or Fubo.TV (opens in new tab) Watch on Channel 4.com (opens in new tab) FREE LIVE STREAM - Watch on Ziggo Sport (opens in new tab) (NL).The 2021 F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix starts at 8 a.m.

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