Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2021: Time, TV and title permutations

A frantic and entertaining introduction to F1 in Saudi Arabia has set up a dramatic conclusion to 2021 in this year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Lewis Hamilton took victory in a gripping race in Jeddah last time out, with his win and fastest lap point combining to put him level on points with title rival Max Verstappen heading into the final race of the year.

Everything is at stake in both the Drivers’ and Constructors’ standings heading into the race, with Mercedes holding the advantage in the team standings and Verstappen topping the individual table by virtue of having an extra race win over Hamilton’s tally.

The stage is set, then, for the climax of what has been a Formula 1 season for the ages.

Here is everything you need to know ahead of the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix…

When is the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?

Practice 1: Friday 10 December: 1330-1430 (0930-1030 GMT)
Practice 2: Friday 10 December: 1700-1800 (1300-1400 GMT)
Practice 3: Saturday 11 December: 1400-1500 (1000-1100 GMT)
Qualifying: Saturday 11 December: 1700 (1300 GMT)
Race: Sunday 12 December: 1700 (1300 GMT)

Where does the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix take place?

Significant alterations have been made to the layout of the Yas Marina Circuit this year in the hope of improving overtaking opportunities around the track.

Gone are the slow-speed chicanes in the first and second sectors, which means the corner count has been reduced from 21 corners to 16.

What was the left-right combination of Turns 5 and 6 will now be a straight line heading towards the hairpin, which means a heavier braking zone and a possible new overtaking spot on the circuit.

Likewise, at the end of the second long straight used to be a left-right-left chicane – but this has now been replaced by a long, wide, banked left-hander.

Also, the following sweeping right-handers (formerly Turns 12-15, now combined into Turns 10 and 11) have all been opened up before the braking point for the corners which take the drivers underneath the Yas Hotel in the closing part of the lap.

All of these factors combined will lead to significantly faster lap times around the track as a result.

Click here for our full track guide.

Where can I watch the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?

Every session, from the start of FP1 to the end of the race, can be found on pay-TV broadcaster Sky Sports in the UK. A live stream of their coverage can also be accessed via Now TV.

Highlights of qualifying and the race will also be shown on free-to-air broadcaster Channel 4.

You can watch all the action from Saudi Arabia live with F1 TV Pro. Please check to see if it is available in your country.

Subscribers to the official F1 app can access live data throughout the race weekend and listen to radio commentary there on race day.

PlanetF1 will carry live timing and expert commentary on every session, with coverage beginning 30 minutes before each practice and qualifying, and one hour before the race.

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be shown live on TV on the following outlets in other key markets:

United States: ESPN
Canada: RDS (French), TSN (English)
Australia: Fox Sports
France: Canal+
Italy: Sky Sport F1
Germany: Sky Sport F1
Spain: DAZN
Netherlands: Ziggo Sport
Brazil: Band
Japan: DAZN
Africa: Super Sport

What are the odds for the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?

Here are Planet Sport Bet’s latest odds on the winner of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix:

Lewis Hamilton: 11/10
Max Verstappen: 11/10
Valtteri Bottas: 25/1
Lando Norris 28/1
Sergio Perez: 28/1

(Odds correct as of December 11. Head to Planet Sport Bet for up-to-date prices and further markets).

What is the starting grid for the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?

1. Max Verstappen Red Bull
2. Lewis Hamilton Mercedes
3. Lando Norris McLaren
4. Sergio Perez Red Bull
5. Carlos Sainz Ferrari
6. Valtteri Bottas Mercedes
7. Charles Leclerc Ferrari
8. Yuki Tsunoda AlphaTauri
9. Esteban Ocon Alpine
10. Daniel Ricciardo McLaren
11. Fernando Alonso Alpine
12. Pierre Gasly AlphaTauri
13. Lance Stroll Aston Martin
14. Antonio Giovinazzi Alfa Romeo
15. Sebastian Vettel Aston Martin
16. Nicholas Latifi Williams
17. George Russell Williams
18. Kimi Raikkonen Alfa Romeo
19. Mick Schumacher Haas
20. Nikita Mazepin Haas

How will the World Championship be decided at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?

As the two title contenders head into the final race of the season level on points, the equation is simple.

Whoever is ahead out of Verstappen and Hamilton in the race will be World Champion.

If neither driver finishes or both drivers finish outside the points, Verstappen will be World Champion for the first time, owing to the fact he has one more race victory than Hamilton over the course of the season.

What is the weather forecast for the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?

The conclusion of the season will take place in day/night conditions at Yas Marina Circuit, but no rain is expected over the course of the weekend with warm temperatures to boot.

Friday: 28°C, sunny spells during daytime and a dry evening, across all three days.
Saturday: 29°C peak temperature
Sunday: 29°C peak temperature

Directions to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Abu Dhabi International Airport is almost within touching distance of the circuit, with only a 15-minute drive to reach Yas Island from the airport.

Head all the way down Al Diyafa Street before eventually taking a right that will lead you to Yas Dr Street, which will take you over the bridge to Yas Island, and circuit parking will be signposted from there.

What are the latest F1 Championship standings?

Drivers’ Championship

Max Verstappen – 369.5 points
Lewis Hamilton – 369.5 points
Valtteri Bottas – 218 points
Sergio Perez – 190 points
Charles Leclerc – 158 points

Constructors’ Championship

Mercedes – 587.5 points
Red Bull – 559.5 points
Ferrari – 307.5 points
McLaren – 269 points
Alpine – 149 points
AlphaTauri – 120 points

Tyre choices for the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Pirelli have mirrored their choice of tyres from last year’s race and will bring their three softest compounds to the final race of the year, with the C3, C4 and C5 tyres acting as the hard, medium and soft respectively.

Pirelli F1 boss Mario Isola explained the change in circuit layout will see a difference in how the tyres are used, but they will still be able to use the softest compounds.

“This will be the first time we face the new configuration, including some areas with new asphalt, but we have been able to rely on simulations and other information in advance to prepare,” he said on Pirelli’s website.

“The result of these changes are bigger vertical loads, especially on the front tyres. But we don’t expect the overall severity for the tyres to change significantly, which is why we have nominated the softest tyres in the range.”

Who is favourite for Abu Dhabi?

Toto Wolff says he doesn't know who will be favourites for the Abu Dhabi GP.