F1 Live | FP1: 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

The all-important weekend has arrived. It is time for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This GP will be held at the renewed Yas Marina Circuit. This weekend we start as usual with the first free practice. During this session, the drivers will explore the new corners following layout changes. You can follow this first free practice with the liveblog from GPblog.

LIVEBLOG | First free practice for the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

The Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi has been changed. Firstly, the North Hairpin has been altered. The chicane in front of the corner has been removed, making the straight to the corner longer. At the beginning of the third sector, turns 11,12,13 and 14 have been simplified. This is expected to make the Formula 1 cars about 14 seconds faster on this circuit. These changes are likely to be to the advantage of Mercedes.

All or nothing

The last time two drivers were on equal points before the last race was in 1974. Both Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton are on 369.5 points. This race decides who will be the Formula 1 World Champion. After the last chaotic race in Saudi Arabia, both drivers will be even more eager to win. Verstappen can get his first world title here and Hamilton his eighth.

The result of this practice session can already give an indication of the proportions for this weekend. It will be interesting to see who is the fastest in the first session.