Official 2022 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Thread **SPOILERS**

[toastyhamster]

kambites said:

It will be fascinating to see if Mercedes' performance holds up here. If it does, it bodes extremely well for them next season; if they're miles behind Redbull again it could well be that their recent surge in form is primarily down to the circuit conditions. My gut feeling is that Redbull will have a healthy lead, but it's very hard to judge.

I think the US upgrade that they brought (less weight, more downforce) was a decent step forward, so they might be closer but I'm still thinking RB will be ahead for this one. Regardless of result this weekend, I think/hope Merc will be contenders next season. I really don't want any team to get anywhere near the amount of victories RB have had this season.

[PhilAsia]

Big Nanas said:

pablo said:

Why? What happened last year?

George will win btw, he’s got his ticker fired up and wants to finish on a high.

Oh god please don't. PhilAsia doesn't need much of an excuse to 'remind' us with all his beloved images

It's just you're all so forgetful

[MustangGT]

paulguitar said:

Me too, much appreciated, Mr. Poke.

Seconded

[garythesign]

Thank you PIAP for these threads.

I have been watching F1 since the days of Raymond Baxter and still look forward to each one.

Last week was a belter

[LHRFlightman]

Thanks PIAP. Your threads are the most valuable source of information for every GP weekend.

[rdjohn]

My thanks also, it is the goto reference point for every race weekend.

[K50 DEL]

Yep, another thanks from me.

I'm currently at Heathrow waiting on my flight to Sandland... Think this'll be my 9th Abu Dhabi GP and I can't wait.

[Gad-Westy]

phil1979 said:

I've voted Max, as he has good form of outclassing Lewis at this circuit.

Indeed. If you ignore 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 and, let's be honest, 2021.

Anyway, I still imagine you'll be right. Max likely winner. I'm fascinated to see how Ferrari vs Merc pans out as well as Perez vs Leclerc.

[Piginapoke]

K50 DEL said:

Yep, another thanks from me.

I'm currently at Heathrow waiting on my flight to Sandland... Think this'll be my 9th Abu Dhabi GP and I can't wait.

Wow- post some pics!

[K50 DEL]

Piginapoke said:

K50 DEL said:

Yep, another thanks from me.

I'm currently at Heathrow waiting on my flight to Sandland... Think this'll be my 9th Abu Dhabi GP and I can't wait.

Wow- post some pics!

As long as I can find someone outside the circuit with a spare ticket for sale... You're on.

[ajprice]

Voted for Hamilton, if the Mercs are on form like they were in Brazil they might just pip Ferrari, George P2 is a long shot (win and FL with Leclerc and Perez out of the points).

[audi321]

K50 DEL said:

Piginapoke said:

K50 DEL said:

Yep, another thanks from me.

I'm currently at Heathrow waiting on my flight to Sandland... Think this'll be my 9th Abu Dhabi GP and I can't wait.

Wow- post some pics!

As long as I can find someone outside the circuit with a spare ticket for sale... You're on.

Not sure if serious. You can’t honestly tell me you fly to AD without a ticket!!??

[mattyn1]

As others have said, thanks PIAP - great work all year. Much appreciated.

As for predictions, I like long shots:

Lewis to win. George 2nd. Hopefully Seb 3rd.

Max to DNF (got to be due one surely) - and I have a feeling a spark or two between him and SP. Maybe a RB double DNF at the same corner.

[Mr Tidy]

Yes many thanks PIAP for your threads.

Maybe wishful thinking but I'll go for George Russell again. Even if Lewis and Max start in front Max is long overdue a trip to the wall!

[K50 DEL]

audi321 said:

K50 DEL said:

Piginapoke said:

K50 DEL said:

Yep, another thanks from me.

I'm currently at Heathrow waiting on my flight to Sandland... Think this'll be my 9th Abu Dhabi GP and I can't wait.

Wow- post some pics!

As long as I can find someone outside the circuit with a spare ticket for sale... You're on.

Not sure if serious. You can’t honestly tell me you fly to AD without a ticket!!??

Not quite... I'm flying to Dubai (for a number of reasons) but no, I don't have a ticket currently.
I've only once bought a ticket in advance, historically there are always lots for sale through the local free-ads sites or outside the track.

I do the same thing for NFL games too, saves a fortune lol

[shirt]

K50 DEL said:

As long as I can find someone outside the circuit with a spare ticket for sale... You're on.

Do you still need one? Several going on WhatsApp chats but prices are faintly ridiculous. Al hosn / pcr requirement has been completely dropped btw.

I’m headed down there this evening, access all areas

[K50 DEL]

shirt said:

K50 DEL said:

As long as I can find someone outside the circuit with a spare ticket for sale... You're on.

Do you still need one? Several going on WhatsApp chats but prices are faintly ridiculous. Al hosn / pcr requirement has been completely dropped btw.

I’m headed down there this evening, access all areas

Hey Phil, yep I was aware Al Hosn had been dropped.

Still looking for a ticket, seen a few South Grandstand (my preference) but as you say, prices still too high.
From experience they'll come down the closer we get.... Last Saturday session I met the seller in Emirates Palace about 2hrs before FP3 was due to start lol

[K50 DEL]

shirt said:

I’m headed down there this evening, access all areas

If you need someone to carry your bags

[Sandpit Steve]

You’ll usually find a few (British) “ticket-sellers” outside the circuit, either between the main entrance and hotels complex, or by the box office on the other side of the circuit. You’ll be paying over face value, until the cars are on the track, then they’ll come down a little. They still have a value to concert-goers with no interest in the car racing!

[McAndy]

Thanks, PiaP! Greatly appreciate the time and effort put into opening up these threads.

Would love Lewis to win, but I envisage a Max walkover. Leclerc second, Perez third, just to make the podium super awkward...