[Official] Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2020: Grand Prix Weekend Thread - Round 17 of 17

[Born Racer]

As the sun goes down at the Yas Marina Circuit, so it will set on the somewhat strange 2020 Formula 1 season. It has been a year of surprises (Pierre Gasly's Monza and Sergio Pérez's Sakhir wins) and dramatic days (George Russell's incredible Mercedes debut and Romain Grosjean's impressive survival), delivered with a string of really good races most of the year and some wonderful classic circuits.

More or less the second half of the race is played out in darkness, with the floodlights illuminating the stage, as we see the cars and drivers do battle for the final time this year. This will be the ninth occasion in F1's eleven visits to Abu Dhabi that it hosts the final Grand Prix.

A purpose-built race circuit designed in conjunction with the surrounding buildings, including the symbolic Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi Hotel, whose diamond-shaped colour-changing LED panes show off the opulence of the emirates and which is built over the track, the Yas Marina circuit is characterised by its billiard table-like smooth surface and contemporary corner design with a few curious and tricky curves.

Drivers can carry quite a lot of speed into the wide Turn 1, but it has to be tempered because it is also quite an angle on the exit. They then vault up towards the apex of the left-hand Turn 2 on the brow of a slight hill before holding on flat through the long right-hand Turn 3. Turn 4 is really just a bit of a curve on the downhill straight. They can brake very late and carry a lot of speed into the left of the chicane at Turn 5 before being more circumspect on the exit at 6. The entry to Turn 7 is long and then comes the apex, so it’s easy to miss it, but whatever they do, drivers need to be carrying plenty of speed onto this straight, as it is by far the longest one on the track; it also has DRS.

After braking shortly after the 100-metre board, a quicker chicane follows before they enter the next straight and another DRS zone. They are now into Sector 2. There is another chicane, but this time it’s left, a tiny bit right and then immediately left again. The 90 left of Turn 14 follows, which takes the drivers into Sector 3. Turn 15 and Turn 16 are both right-handers and the braking for Turn 17 is tricky, as drivers are turning slightly and Turn 17 soon follows. It's quite a tight right and then the drivers go left under the hotel, before going left again as the track begins to open up. The final two corners are in a similar vein to Turns 15 and 16, but with the final corner being much more angled. Drivers carry a lot of speed through the penultimate turn but have to be careful to slow down enough for the final corner, which is a tricky angle to aim at following that braking zone.

In the first year, Brawn driver Jenson Button arrived in Abu Dhabi for the seventeenth and final race fresh off the back of his world championship, having sealed it last time out in Brazil. This was the final race for refuelling. After leading the early laps, Lewis Hamilton was jumped at the stops by Sebastian Vettel, in his first year with Red Bull. Hamilton went out with brake trouble, while the only other retirement was Jaime Alguersuari who retired after stopping in the Red Bull pit by mistake, instead of that of the junior team, Toro Rosso. Red Bull sent him out (it was the lap when Vettel was due in) and he went out of the race with a gearbox problem. Kamui Kobayashi finished sixth for Toyota, impressing the team and scoring points in only his second race; he looked set to stay at the team, but they were to withdraw at the end of the year (it was also BMW’s final race). He went to Sauber, which had got back their old team. Vettel held on for his fifth Grand Prix win and his fourth of the season. Team-mate Mark Webber fought off a hard challenge by the new World Champion on the final lap to hang on to the runner-up spot.

2010 was a championship decider with something few people apparently saw coming, this lack of foresight contributing to the result itself. Four drivers went into the race with a chance of winning the title, Ferrari’s Fernando Alonso leading the championship battle on 246 points, with Mark Webber giving chase on 238, and more remote chances for Sebastian Vettel on 231 points and Lewis Hamilton on 222. It was the first year in which 25 points was awarded for a victory and the first time four drivers had entered the final Grand Prix with a chance of the world title.

On the opening lap, Michael Schumacher tried to pass Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg and spun, leading to a scary moment when Vitantonio Liuzzi put his car atop the Mercedes. Vettel led away from pole and ended up leading most of the race, apart from a period during the pit stops. Mark Webber struggled for grip on the super-soft tyres and pitted early. Ferrari followed suit for Alonso to cover the Red Bull driver, a catastrophic strategic decision as it turned out, which ultimately may have partly led to Aldo Costa’s demotion and perhaps even to his eventual departure from the team. Both drivers struggled to overtake and were well down the order, with Alonso’s race-long frustration behind Renault’s Vitaly Petrov a particularly obvious moment to pick as defining the outcome of the season.

Meanwhile, Vettel, blissfully unaware of being in the pound seats for the championship, romped home to victory. With some slight shades of James Hunt in 1976, he had no idea he was world champion on crossing the line and only learned of his success when told by his engineer. His high-pitched crying and subsequent euphoric scream over the radio remains a major memory of the 2010 Grand Prix season. It was also the first time since James Hunt in 1976 that a world champion’s first race as points leader was the one in which he took the title. Anyone who doubted it could have been Vettel should have looked no further back than 2007 when Raikkonen snuck up from behind to take away the championship that McLaren drivers Alonso and Hamilton were seen to have a hand on each. Nevertheless, it is unlikely that many people foresaw that being the first of four world championships on the trot for Vettel. ‘Trot’ doesn’t seem to cover it actually, as Sebastian ended up giving the impression that most of those hard-fought titles were won at a canter.

At the Yas Marina circuit the following year, Vettel again got into the first corner first, but a puncture led to his retirement and in a reversal of their 2009 fortunes, it was Lewis Hamilton who took the spoils. Alonso in the Ferrari and Button in the McLaren completed the podium.

2012 saw that season’s returnee Kimi Raikkonen return to the top step of the podium for the first time since 2009 in his new Lotus team. He controlled the race well since taking over the lead following Lewis Hamilton’s retirement and told the team and the world just how in control he was with his infamous words “Just leave me alone – I know what I’m doing” and when asked by the team to keep the heat in all four tyres under the safety car, replying “Yes, yes, yes, yes – I’m doing it all the time. You don’t have to remind me every ten seconds”. Kimi was quite big on words that day as both he and Vettel were warned by the stewards about swear words on the podium that day in the new-style more media-friendly podium ceremony. Kimi still had a more typical moment of nonchalance and understatement that day, though, with his placid response to being asked about his emotions regarding how it felt to be a winner again of "not much really".

In 2013, there was a partial solar eclipse that could be seen during the race, but Sebastian Vettel totally eclipsed the opposition, as he overtook Mark Webber into Turn 1 and led every lap of the race, winning by 30.8 seconds from his Red Bull team-mate.

2014 saw the first and probably last time that we will see double championship points offered in the last race. We also saw the super-soft and soft tyres being introduced, instead of the soft and the medium of the previous three seasons. Lewis Hamilton ended up taking his second world title and the win, with Felipe Massa just 2.5 seconds behind at the chequered flag. Valtteri Bottas’s third meant that Williams got their first double podium since Nick Heidfeld and Mark Webber finished 2nd and 3rd at Monaco in 2005.

The next year, Nico Rosberg completed an end-of-season hat-trick to win ahead of team-mate Lewis Hamilton, while Kimi Raikkonen completed the podium. This run of three wins for Nico extended into a run of seven, as he also took the first four victories of 2016, setting himself up for his world championship.

In the end, Nico took his only F1 world title, finishing second after what he described as a race which was "so intense, so, so, so horribly intense" and a "horrible feeling" defending. Lewis Hamilton won the race and tried to back Rosberg up into the pack, but Rosberg stayed resolute and held second over Daniel Ricciardo.

In 2017, Valtteri Bottas won from world champ team-mate Hamilton.

A year after, Lewis Hamilton won from Vettel and Max Verstappen. Nico Hülkenberg was tipped into a roll on the opening lap, while last year, Hamilton took victory from Verstappen and Charles Leclerc.

The change of ambient temperature here as the race goes on can have its effect on performance. It can also be a little difficult to to avoid wheelspin out of some of the slow corners. The tyres heat up quite a lot in the first sector before then cooling down a bit on the long straight. It is expected to be a two-stop race for most drivers.

Trivia

Lewis Hamilton's absence in the Sakhir Grand Prix means that Sebastian Vettel is now the current driver with the most consecutive entries, a run going back to the 2007 Hungarian Grand Prix.

In terms of race starts, Daniel Ricciardo is the current leader, with a stretch back to the 2011 British Grand Prix.

The top three drivers in history in terms of number of race starts before and including their first win are:

1. Sergio Pérez - 190
2. Mark Webber - 130
3. Rubens Barrichello - 123

In terms of most races without a win, including those who achieved it and those who didn't, Pérez is second on the all-time list behind Andrea de Cesaris (214 entries) and in front of Nick Heidfeld (185 entries).



Circuit length: 5.554km
Number of laps: 55
Race distance: 305.355km
Dry weather tyre compounds: C3, C4 & C5
Race Lap Record: 1:39.283 – Lewis Hamilton - Mercedes (2019)
First Grand Prix: 2009



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[wolfhound]

Thank you BR for your high standard intro.



I see Perez will have to start from the back as he needs a power unit change. It will be interesting to see how far he gets after his practice run from the back last week.

Magnussen also has to take power unit parts so will also start down the back.


https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/15...r-abu-dhabi-gp

[S griffin]

Cheers again for the intro BR. What a shame after all the great circuits we've been to this season we have to end at this bland circuit again. Ho hum

[Derwent]

This season has been helped by the great races on the "new" circuits which have given the best races. A lesson to be learnt.
Will Lulu be at his best though? I would think he had to come back to help his future contract negotiations. Another great run from Russell in his car would be hammering a nail in.
As Lewis is so keen on human rights, I often wonder how he can bear to race in some of the Arab countries who have dreadful records. Even more interesting next year when they head to Saudi Arabia.

[steve_r]

Oh great. Because Hamilton stands up for human rights he should not race in "Arab countries". Can't we keep all those sorts of endless irrelevant criticisms in one separate thread (or maybe with the endless poision on twitter) so that we can properly discuss the racing here instead?

Will he be at his best is a good question though. Some people experience post-virus fatigue, however to the best my my knowledge Perez and Stroll were seemingly not badly affected after they recovered from it.

[crmalcolm]

Originally Posted by S griffin

What a shame after all the great circuits we've been to this season we have to end at this bland circuit again. Ho hum

Have some faith - remember how disappointed you were about the prospect of the last circuit they raced at?

Prior to R15, you said 'I don’t think the outer one will be a success.' When it happened you rated the race 8/10.

Who knows, we don't know how good this race will be yet. Although it might be a poor race, it might be a great one. We'll find out how good it is when the race gets underway. Time will tell if it's a good race. I'm going to be positive about things until they happen, there's far too much negativity at times for no apparent reason.

[bjohnsonsmith]

Excellent intro as ever.


The final race of the season, and what a season. Both the WCC and WDC are wrapped up and as the late James Hunt would often say: ''It's all over bar the shouting.''

[chillibowl]

Yeah mega intro and i am also looking forward to discussing where 2020 fits in with all time great seasons.

For the first time in ages i may actually buy a season review...if they even make those any more?

Originally Posted by Born Racer

In 2017, Valtteri Bottas won from world champ team-mate Hamilton. This year, the Finn hasn't taken a single victory, denied on a few unfortunate occasions.

He has won this year no? For sure in the opener and somewhere else i think.

[gert]

Originally Posted by Born Racer

In 2017, Valtteri Bottas won from world champ team-mate Hamilton. This year, the Finn hasn't taken a single victory, denied on a few unfortunate occasions.

Austria, Russia ?

[bjohnsonsmith]

Bottas won both in Austria and Russia this season and has a total of 10 podiums.

[Akrapovic]

Originally Posted by Derwent

This season has been helped by the great races on the "new" circuits which have given the best races. A lesson to be learnt.
Will Lulu be at his best though? I would think he had to come back to help his future contract negotiations. Another great run from Russell in his car would be hammering a nail in.
As Lewis is so keen on human rights, I often wonder how he can bear to race in some of the Arab countries who have dreadful records. Even more interesting next year when they head to Saudi Arabia.

Why should Lewis have a problem with it and not the other drivers who stand up for human rights? And why do I keep having to point out that nobody mentions any other drivers and just Lewis? And why does every thread have to be an attempt at finding fault in Lewis?

[GT6]

Not everyone likes Lewis, and taking a pop at him is helping to relieve this rather boring season.

[Richard C]

Originally Posted by Akrapovic

Why should Lewis have a problem with it and not the other drivers who stand up for human rights? And why do I keep having to point out that nobody mentions any other drivers and just Lewis? And why does every thread have to be an attempt at finding fault in Lewis?

All threads are about Lewis somehow!

Richard

[bjohnsonsmith]

Originally Posted by Richard Casto

All threads are about Lewis somehow!

Richard

I remember when all threads used to end up about aero. How times change.

[bjohnsonsmith]

There was another fiery incident today, in FP2 when Raikkonen's car turned into a bonfire.



https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/r...paign=widget-1

[Born Racer]

Originally Posted by gert

Austria, Russia ?

Sorry, I pasted it from what I said a previous year.

[Born Racer]

Pérez's Red Bull job interview ends this weekend with another drive from the back. He may find it tougher here, but the DRS will help pull him up the order. It shouldn't be like Alonso on Petrov.

Nice to see Raikkonen getting involved in putting out the fire. He knew exactly where to extinguish.

[Richard C]

Originally Posted by bjohnsonsmith

I remember when all threads used to end up about aero. How times change.

Many gravitated to "How to fix F1". Now they are "How to fix Lewis".

Richard

[Lancsbreaker]

Presumably Kimi will need some replacement engine parts - does this put him to the back? Although I appreciate that's pretty much close to where he has been most season, sadly, as the Alfa has been somewhat less than competitive.

[bjohnsonsmith]

Originally Posted by Richard Casto

Many gravitated to "How to fix F1". Now they are "How to fix Lewis".

Richard

. He's well on the mend.

[S griffin]

Originally Posted by crmalcolm

Have some faith - remember how disappointed you were about the prospect of the last circuit they raced at?

Prior to R15, you said 'I don’t think the outer one will be a success.' When it happened you rated the race 8/10.

Who knows, we don't know how good this race will be yet. Although it might be a poor race, it might be a great one. We'll find out how good it is when the race gets underway. Time will tell if it's a good race. I'm going to be positive about things until they happen, there's far too much negativity at times for no apparent reason.

What planet have you been living on? We’ve been using this track since 2009 and only twice has it produced a decent race. For us to suffer this circuit at the end of the year nearly every year since 09 doesn’t seem right, when there are better tracks out there. In my view it’s an insult to F1 that this is the curtain closer. Adelaide, Suzuka and Interlagos were much more appropriate places. And I’m sure plenty would agree with me that this is one of the worst circuits ever in F1

[bjohnsonsmith]

Originally Posted by S griffin

What planet have you been living on? We’ve been using this track since 2009 and only twice has it produced a decent race. For us to suffer this circuit at the end of the year nearly every year since 09 doesn’t seem right, when there are better tracks out there. In my view it’s an insult to F1 that this is the curtain closer. Adelaide, Suzuka and Interlagos were much more appropriate places. And I’m sure plenty would agree with me that this is one of the worst circuits ever in F1

They pay a lot for the privilege.

[crmalcolm]

Originally Posted by S griffin

What planet have you been living on? We’ve been using this track since 2009 and only twice has it produced a decent race. For us to suffer this circuit at the end of the year nearly every year since 09 doesn’t seem right, when there are better tracks out there. In my view it’s an insult to F1 that this is the curtain closer. Adelaide, Suzuka and Interlagos were much more appropriate places. And I’m sure plenty would agree with me that this is one of the worst circuits ever in F1

The 'Rate the Race' polls suggest otherwise.
I'm not saying it's a great circuit, but it regularly scores above average in the polls. Why the doom and gloom about it?

The alternatives you mention don't tend to produce significantly better races (according to the polls). On what criteria are you stating that they are more appropriate?

[S griffin]

You just don’t get it do you? I am not being doom and gloom about it, I am simply saying things as I see it. I see no point in sugar coating things.

I can’t believe we are having a debate at why other circuits would be better to end the season at. Those three I mentioned are much better circuits and have better atmosphere than Abu Dhabi any day of the week. Abu Dhabi is a bland circuit with no challenges and hardly a great setting either. If it wasn’t for the ridiculous amount of money they pay for this GP, it probably would have been gone a long time ago. A complete anti climax to end the season on.

For me the racing is not the only important thing, a circuit that is exciting to watch is just as important. Neither apply here

[gert]

Originally Posted by S griffin

You just don’t get it do you? I am not being doom and gloom about it, I am simply saying things as I see it. I see no point in sugar coating things.

I can’t believe we are having a debate at why other circuits would be better to end the season at. Those three I mentioned are much better circuits and have better atmosphere than Abu Dhabi any day of the week. Abu Dhabi is a bland circuit with no challenges and hardly a great setting either. If it wasn’t for the ridiculous amount of money they pay for this GP, it probably would have been gone a long time ago. A complete anti climax to end the season on.

For me the racing is not the only important thing, a circuit that is exciting to watch is just as important. Neither apply here

... according to you.

It seems some of us have other opinions.
Or maybe indeed we just don't get it.

--

Some great tracks have produced very dull racing.
Some less fancy tracks had great races.

I'll judge on Sunday after the race if this was a good one or not.