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Formula 1 Abu Dhabi GP

F1 Abu Dhabi GP Live Commentary and Updates - Race

Minute-by-minute updates for the 2023 Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Oscar Piastri, McLaren MCL60

The curtain falls on the 2023 F1 season with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc share the front row of the grid with Oscar Piastri and George Russell tucked in behind. 

FP2 was the only practice session to take place in representative conditions but was interrupted by over half an hour of red flag delays, meaning teams have minimal long-run data heading into the finale. 

While Leclerc and Russell start up the order, the constructors' battle between Mercedes and Ferrari was complicated with Lewis Hamilton starting P11 and Carlos Sainz P16. 

The Yas Marina race will get under way at 1pm GMT. 

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Sainz was another fast starter, picking up two spots on the opening lap. He is up to 14th.
Into Turn 5, Lelcerc has the inside run but Verstappen defends masterfully. The Ferrari driver knows he needs to make this move quickly. 

DRS will be enabled after two full laps.
Clean get away at the back, Gasly enjoyed a super opening lap to climb ahead of Perez and Hamilton to move up to eighth.
Norris is making up for a qualifying error and climbs past Russell's Mercedes. He's now right on Piastri.
Verstappen leads the field but if forced to defend big time from Leclerc into Turn 1.
Lights green
WE ARE RACING IN ABU DHABI!
The field returns at a snail's pace to the grid. And we're almost ready for the five lights and 'that' phrase.
If you're looking for a crumb of comfort that Verstappen may not win this weekend, don't look at recent history as the Dutchman has been victorious on the last three visits to Yas Marina.
Unlike in either of the two F2 races of the weekend - which we recommend you watch - all the drivers make it off the grid!
The final red light goes out and the formation lap begins, with Verstappen leading the field away from the grid.
The tyre blankets are coming off and mediums are the most widely used compound. Only Stroll, Sainz and Bottas are using the hard rubber.
Notice some big names missing? That's because Hamilton will start from P11 and Sainz P16. Their progress, or lack of, will be crucial in the constructors' battle for P2 between Mercedes and Ferrari.
Norris, Tsunoda, Alonso, Hulkenberg, Perez and Gasly round out the top 10.
Right, down to business. The front row of the grid consists of Verstappen and Leclerc, with Piastri and Russell following on the second row.
For the final time this season, it's time to bop to the F1 Theme and then go racing!
'The final countdown' rings out around the circuit as the drivers begin to clamber back into their cars for one last time. Very appropriate!
Kevin de Bruyne displays a surprising level of F1 knowledge, highlighting the various battles that are ongoing in Abu Dhabi. We could do with the company if you wanted to help out Kevin!
Lewis Hamilton goes around to hug all the celebs in the last moments before the national anthem is played. He makes it to his position moments before the anthem rings around the Yas Marina Circuit.
As is often the case in modern F1, the grid is awash with celebrities, even if there are no major titles on the line. Will.I.Am, Chris Hemsworth and Maria Sharapova are among the big names.
Breaking news
Franz Tost will bow out of F1 following the chequered flag. With 18 years at the helm of the Red Bull junior team, his effect on the grid is impossible to overstate.
https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/why-a-departing-stalwart-was-perfectly-suited-to-f1s-most-pragmatic-team/10550709/
Breaking news
On a lighter note, Saturday saw Helmut Marko leave the track 500 EUROS lighter, after losing a bet with Christian Horner. That's the last time he predicts Verstappen will fail to reach the front row! 
https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/marko-says-he-should-have-known-better-after-losing-verstappen-f1-bet/10551902/
We're now half an hour from lights out and all the cars are on the grid, with the drivers hoping through their usual pre-race rituals.
Breaking news
Verstappen's overtaking moves in the pitlane on Friday were met with an instant reaction from the FIA. But the decision hasn't gone down well with all drivers, with Norris one voicing his frustration. 
https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/norris-f1-pit-exit-overtaking-ban-a-terrible-rule-as-drivers-ask-for-rethink/10551909/
Breaking news
Lewis Hamilton had a difficult final qualifying experience of the year, putting his Mercedes only in P11. He didn't hold back in his criticism of the W14. 
https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/hamilton-mercedes-more-inconsistent-than-ever-in-f1-abu-dhabi-qualifying/10551903/
At the front, it is business as usual for Verstappen. Although there may be some concern for Red Bull given his early-weekend struggle and constant complaints about the balance of his car.
With no championship titles on the line, the focus in the constructors' championship is on two separate battles, with Mercedes leading Ferrari by four points in P2, and AlphaTauri, Williams, Alfa Romeo and Williams fighting for P7 and the prizemoney rewards.
Good afternoon and welcome to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix for one final ride before the 2023 season comes to a close.

By: Autosport Staff

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