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."
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."
