Dec 5, 20244 min read

Feeder Series Preview: Abu Dhabi

Written by Sophie Harvey and Ellie Nicholls

Estimated as the most expensive circuit ever built and one of the four iconic F1 venues in the Middle East, an Abu Dhabi showdown is always a spectacle no matter the series.

A characteristically flat track, the Yas Marina Circuit provides 3.005 km (1.868 miles) of challenging terrain for its drivers. It’s known for its unusual pitlane exit which passes beneath the circuit, alongside the 1.2 km straight positions between two slow-speed corners — making it more than ideal for overtaking opportunities.

What the track is possibly the most famous for, rather than the circuit itself, is being the ground on which championships in many series throughout the years have been won- and lost.

Formula 2 - Championships up for grabs in F2's closest title race

Formula 2 heads to Abu Dhabi for this year's season finale | Image Credit - Formula 2

The 2023 Formula 2 season saw both the drivers’ and teams’ championships still undecided heading into the final round of the season in Abu Dhabi - with Frederik Vesti and Theo Pourchaire battling for the title while their respective teams, Prema Racing and ART Grand Prix, contested the teams’ championship.

Despite Vesti’s win in the sprint race - his sixth of the season - Pourchaire was able to clinch the driver’s title in the final race of 2023 thanks to his solid performances across the weekend in Abu Dhabi. His team, ART Grand Prix, also sealed the team’s championship here.

Looking ahead to this weekend, the drivers’ championship is even closer than last year - with just half a point separating current leader Gabriel Bortoleto from title rival Isack Hadjar.

Both drivers are also fighting to bring home the championship for their respective teams this weekend - with Invicta Racing currently 32.5 points ahead of Campos Racing in the standings.

Currently third place, Paul Aron is also still mathematically in the fight for the championship after a stellar weekend in Qatar, where he sealed pole position and his first win in the series. However, difficult luck for Aron in the middle part of the season means this is unlikely, as he sits 25.5 points adrift of Bortoleto going into the season finale.

The current top three in the drivers' championship made up last weekend's Feature Race podium. Image Credit | Formula 2.

A word must also be said for the rookies taking part in Abu Dhabi, as we see this year’s Formula Three champion Leonardo Fornaroli stepping in for the departing Zane Maloney at Rodin Motorsport - the Italian driver making his Formula 2 debut ahead of joining the series full-time in 2025.

Of the four debutants last weekend in Qatar, Dino Beganovic and DIVEBOMB-backed John Bennett impressed most, with both drivers having scored points in the Feature Race. Can the rapid rookies continue this strong form around the Yas Marina Circuit?

Be sure to tune in to the final weekend of the 2024 Formula 2 season, as the drivers have one last chance to prove themselves and bring home glory for them and their teams in Abu Dhabi…

Weekend Schedule (GMT)

Friday, 6th November

Free Practice: 07:05

Qualifying: 11:00

Saturday, 7th November

Sprint Race: 12:15

Sunday, 8th November

Sprint Race: 09:25

F1 Academy

Over in F1 Academy, our champion has already been crowned — Abbi Pulling, Alpine and Rodin Motorsport’s star driver. Her campaign has been nothing short of incredible, taking seven wins in the eleven races, and finishing on the podium in every single one of those.

Attention now turns to further down the standings, specifically the fight for for P3 and P4. Ferrari’s Maya Weug currently sits in P4 with a healthy tally of 135 points, with Nerea Martí, Chloe Chambers and Hamda Al Qubaisi separated by just six points. A bad weekend for Weug could give any of those three a vying chance at P3, and the order of them could really go either way.

A maximum of 56 points are available per driver, per weekend, so Doriane Pin’s points haul of 180 leaves her fairly secure in P2 — though this is F1 Academy, and absolutely anything could happen.

As for the team's title, that’s still yet to be decided. PREMA Racing currently lead the pack with 332 points, whilst their nearest rivals have a tally of 304. Will Rodin Motorsport be able to make up the gap in Abu Dhabi? Or will PREMA reign superior once again, and cling onto their team’s title for the second consecutive year?

In other news, Logan Hannah will join the grid as the final wildcard driver of the season — following in the footsteps of Reema Juffali, Courtney Crone, Nina Gademan, Ella Lloyd and Alisha Palmowski. Three of which have since received the backing of F1 teams, and secured full-time seats in the coming year.

23-year-old Hannah has plenty of accolades to her name, from a GB4 win to F4 UAE. She has also previously tested the F1 Academy car around the Yas Marina Circuit, so the Scottish driver will be raring to go come the weekend.

To make up for a cancelled round in Qatar, a third race has also been added to F1 Academy’s Abu Dhabi schedule. Giving you even more reason to tune in for what will be an epic season finale.