Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: How to Watch — and the Scenarios That Will Decide the 2025 F1 Title

The 2025 Formula 1 season comes to a dramatic close at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where Lando Norris, Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri will contest the championship in the final race. This guide explains how to watch, the schedule and the key scenarios that can decide the title at Yas Marina.

How to watch

United States: ESPN will broadcast the race live. International broadcast partners vary by country — check your local sports listings or your national F1 broadcaster for coverage.

Weekend schedule (local time — Abu Dhabi)

• Friday: First and second practice
• Saturday: Third practice and qualifying
• Sunday: Race day — 58 laps of the 5.28-kilometer (3.28-mile) Yas Marina Circuit. Race start: 5:00 p.m. local time (08:00 EST / 13:00 GMT).

Venue

The season finale has been held at the Yas Marina Circuit since 2009 under floodlights on the Abu Dhabi seafront. The circuit is known for its spectacular setting and limited overtaking opportunities — the event has produced many processional races and the winner has started from pole position every year since 2015. The 2021 race is still remembered for its controversial title-deciding finish.

Form and what happened last time out

At last week's Qatar Grand Prix, Lando Norris had an opportunity to clinch the championship, but a McLaren pit‑stop strategy error handed the win to Max Verstappen. Oscar Piastri finished second in Qatar and Norris came home fourth, leaving the title fight alive for Abu Dhabi.

Championship permutations

• If Norris finishes on the podium (top three) in Abu Dhabi, he will clinch the title.
• If Verstappen wins the race, he will take the championship only if Norris finishes fourth or lower.
• If Piastri wins, he would need Norris to finish outside the top five to become champion.

Key stats to watch

• 11: A title for Norris would make him the 11th different British world champion.
• 5: Verstappen has the chance to win five consecutive championships — a streak previously matched only by Michael Schumacher.
• Points swing: After the Dutch Grand Prix, Piastri led Norris by 34 points and Verstappen by 104. Piastri has not won since then and now sits 16 points behind the championship lead.

What they’re saying

“Speechless. I don’t know any words ... It is a little bit tough to swallow at the moment.” — Oscar Piastri, reflecting on McLaren’s strategy error in Qatar.

“It’s tough, we just have to have faith in the team to make the right decision.” — Lando Norris to Sky Sports.

“Comments made before the end of and immediately after the Qatar GP suggesting that Mercedes driver Kimi Antonelli had deliberately allowed Lando Norris to overtake him are clearly incorrect ... We sincerely regret that this has led to Kimi receiving online abuse.” — Team statement responding to online threats.

Other storylines

• Red Bull confirmed that Hadjar will join Verstappen at Red Bull in 2026, while Yuki Tsunoda will lose his seat.
• Debate continues over team strategy calls and their decisive influence on championship outcomes.

What to watch: qualifying performance (given Yas Marina’s tendency to reward pole), pit-stop strategy, and how McLaren responds under pressure. Expect a tense evening as three drivers remain in reach of the title and small margins will decide the championship.