The Formula One season is about to reach its finale in Abu Dhabi on Sunday and though Lewis Hamilton already has another world title safely in the bag, the rest of drivers remain focused on ending their campaigns on a high.
Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo – who will be racing for Renault DP World for the last time on Sunday – has promised there will be no let up from the rest of the drivers this weekend.
“I’m sure I speak for all drivers when I say that once you put the helmet on and the lights go out, we only know one speed,” he said on Thursday.
It’s all change for Ricciardo next year, as he will be replacing Carlos Sainz Jr at McLaren, but the 31-year-old says that is not something he is thinking about at the moment.
“There is still a fourth in the drivers’ title to contend for. I feel there’s a lot I can fight for with the team," he said.
“Our starts have been really strong this year, so that puts us right in the mix for the podium."
He added that he is a “hot weather, sunshine, summer racer,” so the Abu Dhabi circuit, and those in the Middle East in general, suit him well.
Esteban Ocon, the Australian’s stablemate at Renault, is also pushing for the best finish possible.
He said: “It’s going to be an extremely important event for us, it’s the last of the year. We’re coming with a great energy into this weekend, but we’re fighting for third in the constructors’ championship, so we need to get it right.”
Ocon does not underestimate the task ahead though. “This season has told us anything can happen,” he said. “It’s been a crazy year.”
Earlier, Red Bull’s pairing of Max Verstappen and Alex Albon said they had no intention of letting things slide either.
“We finished second here last year and we have nothing to lose this weekend so it will be ‘full send’,” Verstappen said.
The Dutch driver’s stablemate agreed, adding: “It’s the last race of the year but that doesn’t mean any less effort goes into it. On my side I’m pushing hard to finish the season strong and we’ll be giving it everything like we always do.”
Following doubts about his inclusion after a positive coronavirus test, Hamilton has now been allowed to race.
This means Verstappen has a point to prove, having been the only driver to push the dominant Englishman in last year’s race at Yas Island. The Dutch driver is also involved in a battle for second spot in this year’s championship with Mercedes’ Valtteri Bottas.
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Gallery: the 2019 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
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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
