Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, UAE: The drivers’ and constructors’ championships are all but secured with Max Verstappen and Red Bull sealing the titles respectively, however there is still plenty to play for in this weekend’s FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX 2022.
Verstappen’s victory in the United States Grand Prix last month meant that Red Bull clinched the constructors’ title, the team’s first since 2013 with the result ending Mercedes eight-year streak.
While they will be aiming to end their triumphant season in style, there are other battles to be fought on the track. Here are the key battles to be fought in the last contest of the 22-race season in both the drivers and constructors’ standings.
Drivers’ Championship
The battle for second place between Leclerc and Perez
Verstappen’s refusal to agree to team orders at Sunday’s Brazilian Grand Prix to allow Sergio Perez past him on the final lap was one of the main talking points and his decision has meant Charles Leclerc and Perez head to Abu Dhabi for Sunday’s F1 season finale level on points with 290. Leclerc, who finished fourth in Brazil, sits second in the standings given the Ferrari driver has one more race win.
Advantage with Russell with Hamilton lurking behind
It was a weekend to remember for Mercedes in Sao Paulo with a one-two finish on Sunday. George Russell took his maiden Grand Prix victory – Mercedes’ first in 2022 with an impressive display, holding off team-mate Lewis Hamilton, who finished second. The result not only puts him in control of fourth place but Russell is on course to finish above seven-time world champion Hamilton, who is 25 points adrift, in the standings and another points finish will cap a memorable F1 debut season for the 24-year-old.
Vettel searching for top-10 finish in final appearance
All eyes will be on Sebastian Vettel as he gets behind an F1 wheel for the last time at Yas Marina Circuit. The four-time champion missed out on a top-10 finish in Brazil after coming 11th but will be aiming to end his career on a high with at least a points finish for Aston Martin.
Constructors’ Championship
Mercedes and Ferrari battle for second spot
Mercedes was the biggest winner in Brazil with Russell and Hamilton finishing first and second respectively, but the team still find themselves 19 points behind Ferrari. The Italian outfit remains in second place with 524 points, adding 27 points to their tally thanks to the third and fourth place finishes from Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc.
Fourth place up for grabs
Having earned a total of 167 points over the course of the season, Alpine is currently in the driving seat for fourth place with a 19-point advantage over McLaren, who sits fifth.
ABOUT ADMM
Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management (ADMM), with its head office at Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island, has created unique, world class experiences across Abu Dhabi since 2009.
ADMM have promoted and delivered globally significant events, the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Grand Prix, alongside over 400 events a year across motorsports, health and fitness, entertainment and major corporate conferences. The company also delivers a significant programme of motorsport retail experiences for business and consumer audiences at Yas Marina Circuit across the year. This combined experience means that ADMM has a region-leading team with expertise in event marketing, communications, promotions and project management.
Such talent firmly positions ADMM as a leader in sports management. The company is now seeking to diversify into activities and strategic ventures beyond Yas Marina Circuit in order to build towards a broader long-term vision aligned with its partners and stakeholders in Abu Dhabi.
ABOUT YAS MARINA CIRCUIT
Yas Marina Circuit is the United Arab Emirates’ most exciting sporting and entertainment multi-purpose venue. Located on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the circuit is home to the annual FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX and much more. In addition to the extensive year-round program of professional and grassroots motorsport events and experiences including Drag and Yas Track Nights, the circuit has emerged as a thriving hub for entertainment and community events in the UAE.
Yas Marina Circuit is also a champion of sustainability in motorsports, receiving the Three-Star Environmental Certification from the FIA, the governing body’s highest recognition of sustainability. The award is an acknowledgement of the circuit’s long-standing commitment to environmental management with the objective of standing with Formula One in becoming Net-Zero Carbon by 2030.
As the region’s most technologically advanced facility, the circuit is also a leading MICE venue, regularly hosting a diverse range of corporate meetings, conferences, and events. Whether you want to experience the thrill of karting at our Kartzone, driving an Aston Martin GT4 at over 200km/hour on an F1 circuit, work towards your racing license at the Yas Racing School, get fit at TrainYas, participate in one of our many sporting events, or simply catch up with friends at Yas Central, Yas Marina Circuit truly is The Meeting Place of Champions.
