Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: last races of the 2024 season

We enter the final weekend of the season, a moment that marks the close of an incredible and historic campaign in Formula 1. This weekend not only puts an end to an unforgettable year, but also symbolizes the beginning of a new one. It was for the premier category of motorsports.

We say goodbye to several drivers who have left their mark, we witness strategic changes in the teams and we welcome young promises who, with their arrival, will fulfill the dream of competing in the top category from 2025.

Photo: Mercedes AMG petronas

This final weekend will also witness emotional and significant moments. We will see Lewis Hamilton say goodbye to Mercedes after 12 incredible years that have left an indelible mark on the history of Formula 1. In addition, it will be the last dance for Carlos Sainz with Ferrari, Zhou Guanyu and Valtteri Bottas with Sauber, Nico Hülkenberg and Kevin Magnussen with Haas, as well as Franco Colapinto with Williams.

The sport says goodbye to incredible drivers who have marked their chapter in Formula 1. Kevin Magnussen closes his stage after 10 seasons in the category, while Zhou Guanyu says goodbye after 3 years of learning and growth. Valtteri Bottas, for his part, brings to an end a remarkable career that spanned 12 seasons full of memorable moments.

On the other hand, Franco Colapinto, who has not yet secured a seat, could temporarily say goodbye to Formula 1. However, there is hope that in a few years we will see him return to continue demonstrating his talent behind the wheel of a car.

On the other hand, chapters are closed that will be forever recorded in the hearts and memories of fans. The historic era of seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton with Mercedes comes to an end. Together with Toto Wolff and Peter Bonnington, they gave us some of the most emblematic victories that Formula 1 has ever witnessed, building a legacy that is difficult to match.

For the tifosi and also for those who are not, the unforgettable duo of Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc, known as C2 or Charlos, also says goodbye. A couple that not only captivated hearts, but left unique moments on the track and off it, becoming part of the history of Ferrari and the sport. A duo that was always characterized by their incredible chemistry and because smiles and laughter were never lacking.

On the other side of the coin, we experienced an exciting season finale with the intense battle for the constructors' title. McLaren leads the table with a lead of just 21 points over Ferrari, with 44 points left up for grabs. Although the gap is tight, the odds lean towards McLaren, which appears to have a slight advantage. Another close fight is the definition of who takes sixth place, since Alpine and Haas are at a minimum difference of five points, in which the French team has the lead. However, as always in Formula 1, everything will be defined on the track this Sunday.

On the other hand, the fight for the runner-up position in the world drivers' championship is red hot. Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc enter the final race with a difference of just eight points between them, keeping both their chances alive. Likewise, the fight for tenth place in the drivers' championship adds another touch of excitement to the close of the season. Nico Hülkenberg, Pierre Gasly and Yuki Tsunoda are separated by just 7 points, meaning that any result in the final race could completely change the final order.

Despite everything that is defined this weekend, this race also marks the beginning of a new era for Formula 1. Looking ahead to next season, we already have four rookies confirmed on the grid, and there are still one or two left. seats to be decided at Red Bull and Racing Bulls.

In this context, the first practice session of the weekend will offer us an exciting glimpse into the future, with several new faces behind the wheel of the cars. Felipe Drugovich will take Lance Stroll's seat at Aston Martin; Luke Browning to drive Alex Albon's car at Williams; Ryo Hirakawa will be in charge of Oscar Piastri's car at McLaren; Arthur Leclerc will get into Carlos Sainz's Ferrari; Isack Hadjar will replace Max Verstappen at Red Bull; and Ayumu Iwasa will be behind the wheel of Yuki Tsunoda's car in Racing Bulls.

Photo: Scuderia Ferrari

Epic close in Formula 2: the closest battle for the title

Changing categories, we arrive at the spectacular closing of Formula 2, where the title has not yet been defined and the difference between the contenders is only half a point. The battle for the championship is red hot between Gabriel Bortoleto and Isack Hadjar. Bortoleto leads the classification with 188.5 points, closely followed by Hadjar with 188 points, which promises a definition full of emotion and adrenaline.

In third place, we find Paul Aron with 163 points. Although he is somewhat far from the direct fight between the first two, mathematically he still has a chance of becoming Formula 2 champion.

Photo: FIA Formula 2

Formula 1 Academy: Abbi Pulling's championship is at stake until the last moment

In the women's category, Abbi Pulling had been crowned season champion over the weekend in Qatar, despite the cancellation of the second race. However, this weekend, the F1 Academy has reorganized the calendar, adding the canceled race, bringing the scheduled tests to three.

This adjustment means that there are still enough points up for grabs for his closest contender, Doriane Pin, to have a chance of taking the title from him. An unexpected twist that calls into question the championship previously awarded to Pulling and promises an outcome full of tension and emotion on the track.

Photo: F1 Academy