The 2023 Formula One season comes to a grand conclusion this weekend in Abu Dhabi. And even though Max Verstappen and Red Bull have already wrapped up the drivers' and constructors' championship, there is still a lot to look forward to.
Verstappen has utterly dominated 2023 with 18 wins and one more would make him the first driver to register 19 victories in a season, which would also catapult him to third on the all-time list of race winners.
Red Bull, too, have sealed the constructor's title but there is an intriguing battle brewing below them. There is a significant incentive - $30 million in prize money - for third-placed Ferrari to beat Mercedes to the runners-up spot in the constructors' championship, with just four points separating the two.
Ferrari are still fuming over Carlos Sainz's 10-place grid penalty at the recent Las Vegas Grand Prix – a result of the extensive damage to his car caused by a loose manhole cover on the track. So they will be extra motivated this weekend.
The 2021 season concluded in extraordinary circumstances as Verstappen defeated Lewis Hamilton to the title after overtaking the Briton on the final lap following a controversial safety car restart in the final moments of the race. Will we get to see similar drama this time at the Yas Marina Circuit?
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2023 schedule
Friday, November 24
First practice - 1.30pm to 2.30pm (UAE time); Second practice - 5pm to 6pm
Saturday, November 25
Third practice - 2.30pm to 3.30pm; Qualifying 6pm to 7pm
Sunday, November 26
Race from 5pm
Other races
Friday
Formula 2 qualifying - 3pm to 3.30pm
Saturday
F4 UAE first race - 11.50am to 12.25pm
F2 sprint race - 4.20pm to 5.10pm
Sunday
F4 UAE second race - 11.40am to 12.15pm
F2 feature race - 1.15pm to 2.20pm
F1 concerts
Friday - Chris Brown (Etihad Park); Saturday - Shania Twain (Etihad Park); Sunday - Foo Fighters (Etihad Park).
Access to concerts is exclusive to grand prix ticket holders. Tickets are available at abudhabigp.com
How to watch Abu Dhabi GP in the UAE
Formula One fans can watch the action on MBC’s streaming platform www.shahid.net under the sports package of Shahid VIP.
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Sheikh Khaled bin Mohamed, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, presents the trophy to the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix winner Max Verstappen of Red Bull last year. Photo: Mohamed Al Hammadi / UAE Presidential Court -
Max Verstappen celebrates victory in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit on November 20, 2022. All pictures Victor Besa / The National -
Max Verstappen on the podium with Charles Leclerc and Sergio Perez -
Max Verstappen and Sergio Perez of Mercedes finished first and third -
Sebastian Vettel says goodbye and thank you to fans after his last race -
Fans celebrate Verstappen's victory -
Max Verstappen of Red Bull on his way to victory -
The start of the race at Yas Marina Circuit -
Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton in action before he was forced to retire -
F1 champion and race winner Max Verstappen dominated in Abu Dhabi, as he has for most of the season -
The Al Fursan aerial display team above Yas Marina Circuit before the start of the race
