And then there was one. One of the most nail-biting Formula One seasons in recent memory reaches a climax today with the Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The inaugural Saudi Arabian Grand Prix witnessed an incredible night of drama and chaos as Lewis Hamilton triumphed over title rival Max Verstappen at the Jeddah Corniche Circuit.
The Mercedes driver's victory means he is now level on points with Verstappen going into the season finale in the UAE.
Where and when is the final race?
The Abu Dhabi GP takes place at Yas Marina Circuit on Sunday, December 12.
Current standings
In the drivers' championship, Verstappen and Hamilton are level on 369.5 points each. In the constructors' standings, Hamilton's Mercedes team are on 587.5 points with Verstappen's Red Bull on 559.5.
There are a maximum 26 points up for grabs in Abu Dhabi — 25 for a race victory and one for the fastest lap around the remodelled Yas Marina track.
The simple equation is that whoever finishes higher will win the title.
Verstappen leads Hamilton 9-8 on wins for the season, however — meaning that the 24-year-old Dutchman will be champion if neither he nor Hamilton scores another point.
Schedule
Thursday, December 9
F1 Team track walks: 9am-11.30am; F1 press conference: 2.30pm-6pm
Friday, December 10
F4 UAE Practice: 10.35am-11.05am; F4 UAE Qualifying 3.55pm-4.15pm
F2 Practice: 11.35am-12.20pm; F2 qualifying: 6.30pm-7pm
F1 Practice 1: 1.30pm-2.30pm; F1 Practice 2: 5pm-6pm
Saturday, December 11
F4 UAE First race: 11am-11.30am
F2 First race: 12.20pm-1.10pm
F1 Practice 3: 2pm-3pm; F1 Qualifying: 5pm-6pm; F1 press conference: 6pm-7pm
Sunday, December 12
F4 UAE second race: 11.40am-12.10pm
F2 Third race: 1pm-2.05pm
F1 Fastest Lap & Pit Stop of the Year Award 3pm-3.05pm
F1 End-of-year F1 drivers' photograph 3.05pm-3.10pm
F1 Drivers' parade 3.20pm-3.50pm
F1 Starting grid presentation 3.25pm-3.55pm
F1 National anthem 4.44pm
F1 Grand Prix 5pm-7pm
(Timetable is subject to amendments)
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Images released by Abu Dhabi Motorsports showcasing renovations made to Yas Marina Circuit for December's 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. All photos courtesy Abu Dhabi Motorsports -
Yas Marina Circuit has undertaken an extensive reconfiguration programme to improve the track’s overall race experience. -
Images released by Abu Dhabi Motorsports showcasing renovations made to Yas Marina Circuit for December's 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Safety measures
Covid-19 precautions remain in place with temperature checking, venue sanitisation and social distancing. Masks are to be worn at all times and spectators will need to show a Green Pass through Al Hosn app and a negative PCR test within 96-hours to enter the venue.
Track changes
The capital's 5.554-kilometre circuit on Yas Island has undergone extensive changes since last year's race designed to increase the average speed and the opportunities for drivers to overtake.
Tickets
Grandstand starting Dh660 Hospitality starting Dh1,250
More information is available at www.yasmarinacircuit.com
