2024 Abu Dhabi GP Betting Odds and Free Pick

The 2024 Abu Dhabi GP, scheduled for December 6-8, marks the exciting conclusion of the Formula 1 season. After navigating through several schedule changes in the latter part of the championship, the Abu Dhabi GP returns to its traditional format. This weekend promises a familiar rhythm, with two free practice sessions on Friday (FP1 and FP2), followed by a third and final free practice session on Saturday (FP3), qualifying on Saturday, and the highly anticipated race on Sunday.

As the last race of the season, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has immense importance, as it often serves as the decisive event that crowns the year’s champions. Over the years, this grand prix has witnessed historic moments and intense battles for world titles. Its strategic location and challenging circuit make it a fitting setting for the showdown of the Formula 1 calendar.

The importance of the Abu Dhabi GP extends beyond the action on the track, as it represents the culmination of months of hard work, dedication, and fierce competition between teams and drivers. The race weekend promises to be a captivating spectacle, with the world’s best drivers leaving everything on the track in search of glory and a place in the history books.

The Circuit: Yas Marina Circuit

The Yas Marina Circuit has hosted the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix since the United Arab Emirates joined the Formula 1 calendar in 2009. It is a semi-permanent circuit, with parts integrated into the public road and others purpose-built. The circuit takes its name from its location on Yas Island, situated within the marina area (marina).

The decision to build an F1 circuit on Yas Island was made in 2006, as part of a wider plan to transform the island into a tourist destination. Construction began in May 2007, and the circuit was completed in October 2009, just in time for the inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on November 1 of that year.

Originally designed by Hermann Tilke, the Yas Marina Circuit was 5.554 kilometers long and featured 21 turns. However, in 2021, the layout underwent significant changes, reducing the lap distance to 5.281 km and decreasing the number of corners to 16 (9 left-handed and 7 right-handed). These modifications were aimed at improving overtaking opportunities and the overall excitement of the races.

2024 Abu Dhabi GP – Preview

Red Bull has been the team to beat at the Yas Marina Circuit in recent years, with an unbeaten run since 2020. Their dominance in Abu Dhabi could continue this season, with Max Verstappen aiming for his tenth win of the year. Despite facing performance challenges and the need to keep the RB20 within its narrow operating window, Verstappen’s prowess at this track cannot be overlooked.

The Dutchman has won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix for the past four years, cementing his dominance of the circuit. If he secures another victory this weekend, he will surpass the wildest expectations for his 2024 campaign despite Red Bull Racing’s mid-season performance slump. While the finicky RB20 has proven to be a temperamental beast, the team’s experience and Verstappen’s skill could overcome these obstacles on Yas Island’s forgiving layout.

The weekend schedule will be as follows:

Friday, December 6

FP 1 – 4:30 AM ET

FP 2 – 8:00 PM ET

Saturday, December 7

FP 3 – 5:30 AM ET

Qualifying – 9:00 AM ET

Sunday, December 8

Race – 8:00 AM ET

Weather conditions for the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend are expected to be sunny and warm, with high humidity levels presenting a potential challenge for teams and drivers.

On Friday, when the first two free practice sessions take place, highs of 29°C (84°F) are anticipated during the day, with lows of around 22°C (72°F) at night. Humidity will be relatively high, hovering around 64% in the afternoon and rising to 77% as night falls. Winds are forecast to blow from the north at speeds between 15 to 25 km/h (9 to 15 mph) during the day and from the northwest up to 15 km/h (9 mph) at night. Rain chances are minimal, with only a 7% chance.

McLaren vs. Ferrari

The 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix promises to be a thrilling finale, not only for the individual race but also for the intense battle between McLaren and Ferrari for the top spot in the Constructors’ Championship. With only 21 points separating the two iconic teams, every grid position and every point scored will be crucial in determining who emerges victorious in this close duel.

McLaren currently has the advantage, but Ferrari’s resurgence in recent races has made the fight even more intense. The Scuderia knows that even a double podium finish might not be enough if McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri can secure solid points results of their own.

Last season’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix saw Charles Leclerc claim a well-deserved second place for Ferrari while Carlos Sainz struggled and failed to score. On the other hand, Norris and Piastri secured impressive fifth and sixth places, respectively, showing McLaren’s consistent pace and reliability.

2024 Abu Dhabi GP betting odds and info

Betting Picks

The 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix promises to be an exciting end to the Formula 1 season. While Red Bull has dominated at the Yas Marina Circuit in recent years, its grip on the race may be loosening.

While the sentimental narrative favors Lando Norris or an underdog story, it’s hard to look past Verstappen’s absolute dominance. The Dutchman has made the Yas Marina Circuit his playground, and even if McLaren, Mercedes, or Ferrari bring their A-game, Verstappen’s raw pace and Red Bull’s straight-line speed could be enough to seal a tenth win of the season in style.

Finally, we can say that our prediction for the 2024 Abu Dhabi is as follows:

1st Place: Max Verstappen

2nd Place: Lando Norris

3rd Place: Charles Leclerc