Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Preview: Verstappen to round out his record-breaking season in Abu Dhabi

Formula 1 returns in Abu Dhabi for one last contest this season following a successful first edition of the Las Vegas Grand Prix which saw Max Verstappen triumph yet again, making it 18 wins from 21 races this season.

Since the track redesign in 2021, Abu Dhabi brings forth new challenges for the drivers, similar to those of Sin City last weekend, favouring speed and fast lap times over technical prowess around tight bends, reminiscent of the old circuit.

See below for a preview of the 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the track, and our top picks.

Temperature drop set to shake-up qualifying

Qualifying is going to be a massive part of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as temperatures plummet into the evening so throughout the various stages of qualifying, Q1 and Q2 in particular, timing will be key as depending on when the drivers are summoned to the track, the fastest drivers of the group will be hoping for optimal track conditions for ultimate speed.

We could see some drivers miss out on lining up high up in the grid as Lewis Hamilton and Sergio Pérez did last time out in Vegas in Q2 if they’re unlucky with qualifying and drops in temperature. The race itself starts at twilight and runs on into the night so, as the temperature falls, the tyres should manage to hold on a bit longer, so we’ll be looking at a one-stop strategy from most teams.

On track, there are 58 laps to complete around the 5.218km circuit, with two DRS zones to allow for some high-octane action and hopefully more than 79 overtakes, the grand total from last year’s Abu Dhabi’s Grand Prix. The strategy from the drivers regarding the DRS zones is going to be imperative going into this race, as they are grouped closely together. The first of which is out of turn five into turn six and then two corners later from turn 8 the next DRS zone which runs into turn 9. In previous years we have seen the drivers make the mistake of an early overtake in the first DRS zone, only to lose that place again along the next stretch instead of using the first to prepare for an efficient overtake exiting turn 8.

Can Ferrari end on a high?

With regards to the market, Max Verstappen has continued his dominance and is at 1/4 to end the season victorious with 19 wins. One could say that the safety car in Vegas helped Verstappen to victory as the Ferraris were looking quick and breathing down his neck, but the safety car managed to take the heat out of the competition to the Dutchman’s delight. This track suits the Red Bull car, and we could see them at their very best this weekend.

Ferrari will be looking to improve on their strong Vegas outing which slightly got away from them towards the end, but Charles Leclerc’s late overtake to take P2 secured the points and are now only 4 points off Mercedes in the Constructors’ Championship so one can only imagine they’ll be out in force this weekend. Leclerc is 16/1 to take top spot this weekend with teammate Carlos Sainz 20/1 following a disappointing deduction in last week’s Grand Prix.

Finally, with regards to race winners, Lando Norris (12/1), who set the fastest lap time in last year’s qualifying, will be hellbent on being the first to see the chequered flag in Abu Dhabi. In Vegas, Norris had a few issues which culminated with him losing the back of his car and crashing, however, should there be an incident-free race, Norris will welcome that with open arms and let his driving do the talking.

An outside that could offer some value could be Pierre Gasly in the Alpine at 9/1 to finish in the top 6 and Evens for a points finish. We know he’s more than capable of finishing high up in the standings and could make his mark in the final race of the season.

Check out all the latest Formula 1 betting odds at William Hill