In a week of fire, because that's the only way to describe it, Formula 1 is preparing to experience the last round of the season. We fly, as usual, on the Abu Dhabi track, last stage of 2022 for some, last of the career instead for others.
Let's start with them
It is very difficult to analyze the moods of the various stables after the Brazilian GP, where everything happened. But let's start with the champion team in both the drivers' and constructors' championships: la Red Bull. You certainly can't breathe in Milton Keynes a very clean air after what happened in Interlagos. The event that saw Max Verstappen not give up the position to his teammate Sergio Perez is still there for all to see and continues to cause a sensation. The focus was mainly on: “I have already explained my reasons to you” – that Max Verstappen he had radioed to the team. Although the situation does not seem to be the best, the Dutchman said he would be ready to help his team-mate if the opportunity arises on Sunday. In fact, Perez's goal is to finish second in the standings of the drivers' championship. That figure would undoubtedly represent the great dominance seen by Red Bull over the course of the season.
Ferrari, what a red…fire week!
Perez will therefore want to finish in front of Verstappen, as well as Charles Leclerc. In fact, on Sunday the Monegasque will try in every way to end the year on a positive note. However, it was not a very simple week at Ferrari: the news on the possible future of Binotto, despite thein official denial of the team, are increasing more and more. The hypothesis that Sunday could be Binotto's last race in the role of team principal of the red it's not that far away. Coming instead to the track, Ferrari will try to close the year following in Brazil's footsteps, in which both pace and degradation, the F1-75 has been able to respond in a big way.
Lewis seeks success
To be seen instead if it will be confirmed on very high floors Mercedes. Eyes are naturally on the Silver Arrow after the one-two punch snagged last week. The victory goal is clearly present in Lewis Hamilton's head. The seven-times world champion has never finished a season without getting on the top step of the podium and, having reached the 22nd round of the year, all that remains is to say: now or never.
Yas Marina, Seb's latest…and more
But Abu Dhabi, perhaps never like this year, will truly be a special stage. Indeed, the Yas Marina circuit represents Sebastian Vettel's last race in Formula 1. The driver who wrote motorsport history, a four-time world champion, preparing on Sunday to ride his final laps that will end one of the sport's greatest careers. In addition to the German, they will certainly greet Formula 1 (at least momentarily), Nicholas Latifi and Daniel Ricciardo.
Everything is ready
Precisely for these reasons, the last appointment of the year in Abu Dhabi will be unmissable. We will start as always on Friday, with the first and second free practice session. Not to be missed on Saturday, after FP3, the qualification scheduled at 15.00. Finally, as always, the race at 14.00. It will be possible to follow and not miss anything as always exclusively on Sky Sport F1 and streaming on Now TV.
GP Abu Dhabi, the appointments
Friday 18 November
11.00 Free Practice 1
14.00 Free Practice 2
Saturday November 19
11.30 Free Practice 3
15.00 pm Qualifications
Sunday November 20
14.00 Race
