F1 Abu Dhabi GP LIVE: Qualifying start time and schedule ahead of Lewis Hamilton’s final Mercedes race

The 2024 Formula 1 season reaches its climax this weekend at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, held at the iconic Yas Marina Circuit. The event promises high stakes, with McLaren and Ferrari locked in a fierce battle for the constructors’ championship. McLaren, seeking their first title since 1998, lead Ferrari by 21 points. However, Ferrari have made significant gains, narrowing the gap after Lando Norris received a surprising penalty in Qatar, allowing the Scuderia to stay in contention. Ferrari, too, are hungry for glory, as they aim to secure their first constructors’ crown since 2008.

The weekend also marks the end of an era for Lewis Hamilton, who is set to race his 246th and final grand prix for Mercedes. The seven-time world champion has enjoyed an extraordinary career with the Silver Arrows, claiming six of his titles and amassing 84 race victories over 12 years. Hamilton’s departure signals a new chapter in his career, as he will join Ferrari for the 2025 season. After a challenging outing in Qatar, Hamilton will aim to close his Mercedes tenure on a high note in Abu Dhabi.

Hamilton’s legacy with Mercedes goes beyond the numbers. He has been instrumental in the team’s dominance during the turbo-hybrid era, setting records and redefining the sport. His contribution to Mercedes has not only been about championships and victories but also about elevating the team to unparalleled heights. As Hamilton prepares for his final race with Mercedes, it is an emotional moment for fans and the team alike.

Meanwhile, reigning world champion Max Verstappen enters the weekend as the favorite. Verstappen, who clinched his third consecutive drivers’ title earlier this season, has a strong track record at Yas Marina. The Dutch driver has won the last four races at the circuit, including last year’s edition and the controversial 2021 finale, which saw him secure his first championship in dramatic fashion. Red Bull will be keen to cap off a dominant season with another win, as Verstappen continues to set new benchmarks in the sport.

Qualifying is set to begin on Saturday, with the race scheduled for Sunday. All eyes will be on McLaren and Ferrari as they battle for supremacy in the constructors’ standings. McLaren’s resurgence this season has been led by Lando Norris and rookie Oscar Piastri, while Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz have delivered consistent performances to keep their team in the hunt.

Beyond the championship fight, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix serves as a stage for drivers and teams to make their final impressions before the off-season. For Hamilton, it is an opportunity to bid farewell to the team that has defined his career for over a decade. For McLaren and Ferrari, it is a chance to reclaim past glories. And for fans, it is a celebration of the season’s drama, excitement, and unpredictability.

The 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix promises to be a fitting finale to an exhilarating season, with high stakes, emotional farewells, and intense rivalries set to play out under the Yas Marina lights. As the curtain falls on another chapter of Formula 1 history, the focus will shift to 2025, when new challenges, alliances, and narratives await.