Here's the full schedule for the title showdown in Abu Dhabi

20:23, 06 Dec 2025

byTobia Elia

Let’s take a look at the full schedule for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix — the season finale where the title fight will finally crown a winner between the two McLaren drivers and Max Verstappen.

With the Qatar weekend in the books — one that saw the four-time world champion come out on top ahead of Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris, with Carlos Sainz’s Williams splitting the two McLarens — the title fight now goes all the way to the finale. Just like in 2021, and again last year with Ferrari and McLaren, the championship will be decided in the very last round.

Norris now leads the standings with just 12 points over Verstappen and 16 over his teammate — a margin that’s still comfortable enough to let him seal the championship as long as he finishes inside the top three.

The pressure will sit squarely on his shoulders — and on McLaren’s as well — with the team unable to afford another major blunder after the Las Vegas disqualification and the decision to keep both cars out on track, a strategy that ultimately backfired.

Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri - Photo: Race Pictures

Media day in Abu Dhabi

The three contenders participated at a shared FIA press conference event in Abu Dhabi on Thursday. Among other questions, they answered how they prepared for this weekend, and where they think they have previously lost out on points.

The rest of the grid also shared their thoughts on the title battle, either predicting the outcome, or revealing who they think would deserve this year's world title.

The yearly drivers' dinner also took place in Abu Dhabi, many of the drivers posted on social media.

Full Results | Qualifying for the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

P1 Max Verstappen (Red Bull) 1:22.207

P2 Lando Norris (McLaren) 1:22.408

P3 Oscar Piastri (McLaren) 1:22.437

P4 George Russell (Mercedes) 1:22.645

P5 Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) 1:22.730

P6 Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) 1:22.902

P7 Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber) 1:22.904

P8 Esteban Ocon (Haas) 1:22.913

P9 Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) 1:23.072

P10 Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull) 1:23.386

Russell happy to be Verstappen's man 'in the mix'

During the qualoifying session at the Yas Marina Circuit, George Russell said he was happy to support Verstappen's title bid, as it could yield a potential podium finish for himself, should Verstappen choose to back up the pack.

Double world champion Fernando Alonso said he'd be ready to react to any opportunities Verstappen's tactics could provide come race day, but nuanced he would not 'want to be in the news on Monday'.

McLaren reacts to Verstappen's Abu Dhabi GP pole position

McLaren CEO, Zak Brown, said he wasn’t surprised by Red Bull’s speed after Verstappen took pole in Abu Dhabi, praising Verstappen for delivering when it mattered, following up on his horror movie comments about the Dutch driver saying: "Chucky did it again."

As far as Piastri goes, with his P3 finish, he seemed somewhat resigned to playing second fiddle to Norris' title bi. The Australian said he did not yet know what McLaren's plan for the race wodul be.

Norris set for a P2 start behind Verstappen, rejected suggestions that nerves affected him during the crucial qualifying session, claiming he was ready to wrap up the F1 2025 season and the title battle.

Max Verstappen credited Red Bull’s tyre strategy, run timing, and setup tweaks for qualifying, highlighting these as the reasons that enabled him to maximize the car and secure pole position for tomorrows race.

Hamilton sees F1 2025 off with another Q1 exit

Lewis Hamilton was eliminated in Q1 at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, finishing down in P16, his fourth consecutive Q1 exit, which left the driver unable to describe his post-session emotions, save for the "anger" he was left with after his early qualifying exit.

2025 Abu Dhabi GP - Full Schedule

Qatar will see a return to the traditional weekend format, giving teams three practice sessions to dial in their cars and strategies ahead of the race.

Friday, 5 December kicks off with FP1 at 10:30 and FP2 at 14:00, allowing teams to gather crucial data on tire performance and track conditions.

Saturday, 6 December continues with FP3 at 11:30, followed by the all-important qualifying session at 15:00 to determine the starting grid. The season finale takes place on Sunday, 7 December, with the race starting at 14:00.

Friday, 5 December

10:30 – Free Practice 1 (09:30 UK)
14:00 – Free Practice 2 (13:00 UK)

Saturday, 6 December

11:30 – Free Practice 3 (10:30 UK)
15:00 – Qualifying (14:00 UK)

Sunday, 7 December

14:00 – Race (13:00 UK)

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