2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: 6 Key Storylines to Follow

With 23 races behind us, the 2024 Formula 1 season is about to wrap up in Abu Dhabi. But before the season closes, there’s plenty still on the line. From the Constructors’ Championship to driver debuts, let’s dive into the top stories to watch as the final race at Yas Marina Circuit unfolds.

1. The Constructors’ Championship Finale

McLaren is on the verge of securing their first Constructors' Championship title in years. The team came close to clinching it in Qatar, but Ferrari’s strong performance kept the pressure on. With a 21-point lead, McLaren is still the favorite, needing just one of their cars to finish high enough in Abu Dhabi to seal the deal.

The equation is simple: a McLaren victory would guarantee them the title, but if they finish second or third, Ferrari would need to score big with a win and multiple top finishes to overtake them. It’s a tight battle, and McLaren will need to keep their cool as the pressure mounts.

2. Doohan’s F1 Debut

Jack Doohan will make his Formula 1 debut for Alpine in Abu Dhabi, replacing Esteban Ocon for the final race. This move essentially brings forward the team’s 2025 lineup. Doohan has experience testing at Yas Marina, so he’ll be familiar with the track. With Alpine fighting to defend their sixth-place position in the Constructors' Championship, Doohan’s performance will be crucial to securing the spot for the team.

3. Hamilton’s Mercedes Farewell

This weekend will mark the end of an era as Lewis Hamilton makes his final start for Mercedes. After 12 seasons, six Drivers' Championships, and 84 wins with the team, Hamilton’s departure signals the end of a record-breaking partnership. The seven-time world champion is set to join Ferrari in 2025, and the Abu Dhabi race will be his last chance to say goodbye to Mercedes with a strong performance.

4. Final Driver Standings Up for Grabs

While the championship battle might be decided, there are plenty of positions up for grabs in the final standings. Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc are battling for second, with just eight points separating them. Meanwhile, Oscar Piastri and Carlos Sainz are fighting for fourth place, and Lewis Hamilton could still challenge George Russell for fifth.

For drivers outside the top five, the fight for a place in the top ten is fierce. Pierre Gasly, Nico Hulkenberg, and Yuki Tsunoda are separated by just a few points, and a strong finish could see anyone of them climb up the standings.

5. Uncertain Futures for Many Drivers

The future of several drivers remains uncertain, with some potentially making their final F1 start this weekend. Valtteri Bottas, Kevin Magnussen, and Zhou Guanyu are all without confirmed race seats for 2025, while Liam Lawson's place in Formula 1 is still up in the air. This race will be crucial for those hoping to secure a future with one of the top teams.

6. An F2 Champion to Be Crowned

The 2024 Formula 2 title will be decided in Abu Dhabi, with Gabriel Bortoleto and Isack Hadjar separated by just half a point at the top of the standings. Paul Aron, while still in contention, faces a more challenging task with a 25.5-point deficit. The F2 championship will be decided during the Feature Race on Sunday, and with both top contenders linked to future F1 opportunities, it’s bound to be a thrilling conclusion to the season.