Official 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Thread **SPOILERS**

[Piginapoke]

Well, here we are. The final race of the season and things are all square, it’s too tight to call.

After an incredible race in Saudi Arabia, I really haven’t a clue what will happen. Max won easily here last year but the circuit is much faster now after recent changes.

I’m just thankful for what has been a terrific season after a few duffers. Thanks to all for your contributions during the season and let’s enjoy the final race!

Date(s): Friday 10 December to Sunday 12 December 2021.

UK Broadcast Timings (and local time)

All sessions are live on Sky F1. Channel 4 is showing qualifying highlights and the race live.





Live timing for all sessions available here:

https://www.formula1.com/en/f1-live.html

Lap times, PU component use, technical reports and Stewards' decisions for the weekend will appear here:

https://www.fia.com/events/fia-formula-one-world-c...

Weather forecast:

https://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/292968

Tyre options:

Teams have two hard, three mediums and eight soft sets available per driver for each weekend.



2020 race result:



2020 Race Highlights:

https://youtu.be/a92evkEC0qo

Edited by Piginapoke on Saturday 11th December 09:08

[kambites]

Lets just pray that both of the title contenders make it to the end of the race!

[eps]

kambites said:

Lets just pray that both of the title contenders make it to the end of the race!

Or rather that they don't both stop abruptly at the same time...

Looking forward to this!!! 'Winner takes all'

[Oldwolf]

I'd like to thank the OP for doing these all year, it really is appreciated and is my first port of call (until it gets tribal!)

What a season, think we'll talk about this one for years and I'm excited for this final race!

[kambites]

eps said:

kambites said:

Lets just pray that both of the title contenders make it to the end of the race!

Or rather that they don't both stop abruptly at the same time...

Looking forward to this!!! 'Winner takes all'

A mechanical DNF or single-car crash would be just as much of an anti-climax as them taking each other out.

[The Rotrex Kid]

OP, you can post a poll now, try it?

[Damp Logs]

Oldwolf said:

I'd like to thank the OP for doing these all year, it really is appreciated and is my first port of call (until it gets tribal!)

What a season, think we'll talk about this one for years and I'm excited for this final race!

+1

Keeps me hooked on PistonHeads….

[TheDeuce]

kambites said:

eps said:

kambites said:

Lets just pray that both of the title contenders make it to the end of the race!

Or rather that they don't both stop abruptly at the same time...

Looking forward to this!!! 'Winner takes all'

A mechanical DNF or single-car crash would be just as much of an anti-climax as them taking each other out.

I dunno... If, for example, max takes Lewis out and wins that would leave a sour taste.

But if Lewis made an unforced error and crashed out leaving the title to Max... I wouldn't exactly be happy but it would be fair enough.

Personally I'm hoping that the race and subsequent title win will be earned via talent shown on track driver v driver.

[Piginapoke]

Damp Logs said:

Oldwolf said:

I'd like to thank the OP for doing these all year, it really is appreciated and is my first port of call (until it gets tribal!)

What a season, think we'll talk about this one for years and I'm excited for this final race!

+1

Keeps me hooked on PistonHeads….

[Piginapoke]

The Rotrex Kid said:

OP, you can post a poll now, try it?

Cheers but not working! I can choose Poll but doesn't work.

[Scrump]

Piginapoke said:

Cheers but not working! I can choose Poll but doesn't work.

I have toggled poll permission off and on in your account.
You should be able to start a new thread as a poll

[raftom]

The Rotrex Kid said:

OP, you can post a poll now, try it?

In which corner does Max go torpedo on Hamilton?

• 1
• 5
• 6
• other

[LHRFlightman]

Thanks to OP for all the hard work this year. It's an invaluable source of information throughout the season. Many thanks.

Come on Lewis.

[LaurasOtherHalf]

Still think it's Verstappen's to lose, still no guarantees the new layout will garner any more action. I reckon it's Verstappen pole, Verstappen wins and a bit of a damp squib to the end of the season.

Happy to be proven wrong of course! One thing Mercedes may do is focus solely on their starting tyre long run pace and give Verstappen pole only to try and go long in the first stint to keep Mad Max away from Hamilton at any point.

[rix]

I truly hope they both finish! I've only got back into F1 over the last 3-4 seasons but have really enjoyed this one - at least the added drama is now properly fitting for panto season.

This one I think I may actually put my hand in my pocket for a tenner to watch live, shock horror!

Also just to echo the thanks for these threads throughout the season - PH's official F1 correspondent should be on the books...

[kambites]

LaurasOtherHalf said:

Still think it's Verstappen's to lose, still no guarantees the new layout will garner any more action. I reckon it's Verstappen pole, Verstappen wins and a bit of a damp squib to the end of the season.

I've given up on trying to work out which car will be faster on which track.

[Damp Logs]

Can’t work out how the circuit differs from last year

Is there any of the other teams that the circuit layout might suit? - just to throw a variable into the Lewis/Max battle.

[kambites]

Damp Logs said:

Can’t work out how the circuit differs from last year

Mostly smoothing out the old sharp right-angled corners but they've also removed the two main chicanes. I think it'll be quite a lot faster than before; whether overtaking is possible is anyone's guess.

Edited by kambites on Monday 6th December 22:10

[SpudLink]

A few races back we speculated on the possibility of reaching the last race in a winner-takes-all scenario, and here we are. The climax of what might be the best F1 season ever (subject for a new thread to occupy the winter months?).

It’s impossible to say who will win. I actually think Verstappen will take it (although I desperately hope he doesn’t).

Whatever happens, I just hope it’s good race, and a fair fight.

May the best man win.

[mick987]

Wonder if Mercedes will put a new power unit in the back of Hamilton and give him a rocket ship?