2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Starting Grid Confirmed After Penalties app…read more
The starting grid for the 2024 Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has been finalized, following a late penalty decision issued by the stewards in an official FIA statement. This weekend’s race at the Yas Marina Circuit marks the 24th and final round of the season, with the constructors’ championship still undecided.
Ferrari trails McLaren by 21 points, setting up a thrilling conclusion to their fight for second place. Meanwhile, lower positions in the constructors’ standings are also up for grabs, keeping the competition intense across the field.
While Max Verstappen secured his fourth consecutive drivers’ championship title earlier at the Las Vegas GP, the Dutchman will only start from fifth on the grid in Abu Dhabi. Verstappen’s dominant season has seen him fend off tough competition from McLaren’s Lando Norris, who clinched pole position with an impressive 1:22.595 lap time.
Norris will lead an all-McLaren front row, joined by teammate Oscar Piastri, who was just 0.209 seconds slower. Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz starts third, keeping the Scuderia’s hopes alive, while Verstappen lines up in fourth. Pierre Gasly rounds out the top five for Alpine, delivering a strong performance for the team.
Notable penalties have shaken up the grid. Haas driver Nico Hülkenberg received a three-place grid penalty for overtaking at the pit exit during qualifying. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, originally slated for a higher position, will start from the back after a 10-place grid penalty for exceeding his energy store component allocation.
2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Starting Grid
1. Lando Norris (McLaren) – 1:22.595
2. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – +0.209
3. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) – +0.229
4. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – +0.350
5. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) – +0.389
6. George Russell (Mercedes) – +0.537
7. Nico Hülkenberg (Haas) – +0.291
8. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) – +0.601
9. Valtteri Bottas (Kick Sauber) – +0.609
10. Sergio Pérez (Red Bull) – +0.669
The race begins Sunday, December 8, at 5 p.m. local time (GST). International fans can tune in at 2 p.m. CET, 1 p.m. GMT, or early in the morning across the U.S. (8 a.m. EST).
