Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: Plenty to race for, with or without Covid-battling Lewis Hamilton

Saif Al Noaimi, acting chief executive of ADMM, says there will be plenty of drama at Yas

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix awards ceremony 2019: (L-R) Max Verstappen, (Red Bull), winner Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) and third-placed Charles Leclerc of Ferrari. Victor Besa / The National

Daniil Kvyat driving the Scuderia Toro Rosso during the big race. Getty

Red Bull Racing team principal Christian Horner talks with Bernie Ecclestone, Chairman Emeritus of the Formula One Group, on the grid before the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Getty

Sebastian Vettel of Germany driving his Ferrari. Getty

Lance Stroll of Racing Point and Daniel Ricciardo of Renault walk to the drivers' parade before the Abu Dhabi race at Yas Marina Circuit. Getty

The amazing fly by over the grid before the Grand Prix started. Getty

They're off! Lewis Hamilton takes the lead at the start of the big race. Victor Besa / The National

Turn two at the start of the final race of the season. Victor Besa / The National

Race fans in the Main Grandstand. Victor Besa / The National

Awards Ceremony. Fireworks after the race. Victor Besa / The National

Fans at the awards ceremony. Victor Besa / The National

F1 fans at the awards ceremony. Victor Besa / The National

Lewis Hamilton performs a burnout victory spin after the Grand Prix at Yas. Victor Besa / The National

Pierre Gasly of Scuderia Toro Rosso at Yas Marina Circuit. Getty

Charles Leclerc of Monaco and Ferrari talks with Princess Charlene of Monaco on the grid before the F1 Grand Prix. Getty

Race winner Lewis Hamilton celebrates in parc ferme during the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit. Getty

Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing prepares for the big race. Getty

Alexander Albon of Thailand and Red Bull Racing signs autographs for fans before the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit. Gett

Pierre Gasly of France and Scuderia Toro Rosso greets fans before final practice for the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit. Getty

Fans take a selfie with the cars ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Reuters

The final race of the Formula 1 season goes off with a bang. Ministry of Presidential Affairs

HH Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi and Deputy Supreme Commander of the UAE Armed Forces (2nd L) and HE Mohammed Mahfoodh Al Ardhi, Executive Chairman of INVESTCORP and Chairman of National Bank of Oman (3rd L), at vrace day. Ministry of Presidential Affairs

Max Verstappen of Red Bull Racing prepares for the race. Getty

Daniel Ricciardo of Renault leads Kevin Magnussen of Haas at Yas Marina Circuit. Getty

Lewis Hamilton gets ready for the off at Yas. Getty

The sun sets on the 11th Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit. Getty

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix organisers are expecting a dramatic Formula One finale on Sunday – whether or not seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton makes the starting grid.

The Briton tested positive for Covid-19 last week, and is undergoing quarantine in Bahrain after missing Sunday's Sakhir Grand Prix.

It will be touch and go whether Hamilton will recover in time but Saif Al Noaimi, acting chief executive officer of Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management, believes there is so much to race for at Yas that the thrills are virtually guaranteed.

“It has been a very exciting season and we are very much looking forward for that action in Abu Dhabi as well,” Al Noaimi said. “We know there are quite a few battles still on the plate."

The fight for second position in the driver’s championship is ongoing between Mercedes' Valtteri Bottas (205 points) and Red Bull's Max Verstappen (189). Also open is third spot in the constructor’s championship, resting between Racing Point, McLaren and Renault.

“There is quite a lot of excitement to see the outcome of these challenges play out,” added Al Noaimi.

“There have been five different drivers on the podium across the 16 races in the 2020 calendar and it’s been an interesting season.

“Four different teams with five different drivers have won so far. So there has been a level of excitement and uncertainty going into each Grand Prix. It is a result of a lot of midfield teams going up the ranks and challenging for the win.”

Al Noaimi is waiting for further updates on the world champion, adding: “We are hopeful he’ll make a full recovery and be able to join us in Abu Dhabi.

“Obviously everybody here loves to watch Hamilton race. However, first we want to wish him well and wish him a speedy recovery.

“There is a specific protocol by the FIA which determines if a driver is fit to travel to the following event. That hasn’t been still confirmed. We are waiting for a decision on his situation.

“On the other hand, in the event he’s unable to attend that obviously opens up the competition and the number of points on the table for everybody else."

Saif Al Noaimi, acting chief executive officer of Abu Dhabi Motorsport Management. Courtesy Seven Media

While the race will be held without spectators, the organisers will have a limited number of seats made available for the frontline heroes.

“We are extremely excited to welcome our frontline heroes in a limited capacity [200 each across the three days],” Al Noaimi said.

“It is truly a pleasure for us to be able to host them and organise an event in a safe manner to honour them and give them an opportunity to be able to see the action."

The focus this year has been health and safety, and looking after all those involved in the event from the teams to drivers, officials to FIA management.

“We are fortunate in Abu Dhabi to have a very good response to the pandemic and we are fortunate we have the ability to host such events,” said Al Noaimi.

“We have seen the likes of the Indian Premier League and the UFC Fight Island events delivered in Abu Dhabi in a safe manner.

“It was important for us to ensure the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix still took place as the season finale that everybody has become accustomed to and delivered in a safe manner."