Lewis Hamilton's comeback performance in the 2024 ....read

Lewis Hamilton’s comeback performance in the 2024 ….read more: Dhabi Grand Prix has set the stage for an exciting finale to the season, with the seven-time world champion aiming to end his long tenure at Mercedes on a high note. The 39-year-old British driver has had a challenging season, often finding himself outpaced by his teammate George Russell, who has been a standout performer for the team this year. However, as the F1 circus heads into the final race of the season, Hamilton seems determined to make a statement in what will be his last race weekend with Mercedes after a remarkable 12-year partnership.

In the first practice session of the weekend in Abu Dhabi, Hamilton’s performance stood out as he posted the third-fastest time, placing ahead of his teammate Russell. This is a notable result, especially considering that Russell had been consistently quicker than Hamilton for much of the 2024 season. As the weekend progresses, the momentum appears to be swinging back toward Hamilton, adding an extra layer of intrigue to the season finale.

The upcoming race in Abu Dhabi promises to be a dramatic showdown, not just between Hamilton and his teammate Russell, but also involving this year’s dominant driver, Max Verstappen. Verstappen, who has already secured the 2024 World Championship title, is embroiled in tension with Russell, who has found himself at odds with the Red Bull driver throughout the season. The heated exchanges between the two off-track are sure to bring additional spice to the weekend, and it remains to be seen whether the tension will spill onto the track during the race.

The stakes are high for more than just Mercedes and their drivers, however. The Ferrari team is also in the spotlight, with the Scuderia’s drivers, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, hoping to secure a strong finish to the season. The opening practice session in Abu Dhabi also saw Charles Leclerc making history by sharing the track with his brother, Arthur Leclerc, as both brothers competed in the same session for the first time in F1. This marks a special moment for the Leclerc family, and adds an extra layer of interest to the weekend.

Ferrari is currently sitting just 21 points behind McLaren in the Constructors’ Championship standings. With only the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix remaining, the performance of both Ferrari and McLaren will be crucial in determining who finishes in second place in the championship. This adds an extra level of intensity to the race, as both teams are gunning for every point they can secure in the season finale.

The first practice session in Abu Dhabi also featured a number of rookies who were given the opportunity to drive in place of regular drivers. Ryo Hirakawa, who is a regular in the World Endurance Championship, replaced Oscar Piastri in the McLaren. Arthur Leclerc stepped in for Carlos Sainz at Ferrari, while Felipe Drugovich filled in for Lance Stroll at Aston Martin. Luke Browning took over Alex Albon’s seat at Williams, and Ayumu Iwasa replaced Yuki Tsunoda at AlphaTauri. These rookie appearances give fans a glimpse of future talent, and many are eager to see how these drivers perform in such a high-pressure environment.

Additionally, the Abu Dhabi GP marks the debut of Jack Doohan, who has replaced Esteban Ocon for this race. Doohan, who has already been confirmed for a full-time seat with Alpine in 2025, will use this opportunity to gain valuable experience ahead of next season. His presence in the race is another reminder that the future of Formula 1 is full of exciting prospects, with young drivers poised to make their mark on the sport in the years to come.

As the 2024 F1 season draws to a close, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix promises to be an action-packed race full of drama and intrigue. With Lewis Hamilton aiming to make a final statement for Mercedes, George Russell hoping to secure a strong result, and Max Verstappen continuing his dominance, the weekend is sure to provide plenty of thrills. Furthermore, the battle between Ferrari and McLaren for second place in the Constructors’ Championship, along with the debut of several promising rookies, ensures that the season finale will be a must-watch for F1 fans around the world.

The significance of this race is not lost on the teams or drivers. The season’s final round is a culmination of months of hard-fought battles, with everything to play for in the final race of the year. The atmosphere in Abu Dhabi will be electric as the 2024 season draws to a close, setting the stage for a thrilling finish.