F1: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Betting Preview

The curtain comes down on the 2024 Formula 1 season this weekend in F1 Abu Dhabi. The drivers will compete in an unprecedented 24th race to cap off the longest F1 season yet and the most competitive since 2021 with seven different race winners.

Max Verstappen defeated his closest rival, McLaren’s Lando Norris, a fortnight ago to win his fourth world title in a row on the Las Vegas strip. The British team, however, is in the driver’s seat to win their first constructors’ title since 1998.

McLaren is the favourite to take the crown this weekend at 2.75, while only Ferrari has a chance of spoiling their party. There’s a 21-point gap between the two teams, and if either Norris or teammate Oscar Piastri wins the race, the team will win the title.

Other permutations also favour the papaya-coloured team. If Norris or Piastri finishes in P2, the Italian team requires P1 and P3 to grab the title. Ferrari has odds of 4.00 to take the trophy.

A P3 finish for McLaren would require Ferrari to grab the win and finish no lower than fifth if they score the fastest lap, or fourth if they don’t, according to F1.com.

The Track

The 5.55km Yas Marina track is reported to be the most expensive F1 circuit ever built. Its pit lane exit passes underneath the circuit using a tunnel is one of its bespoke features and it’s run under the lights.

It’s not a particularly fast track with only 63% of the lap driven at full throttle and its two long straights. The best spot to overtake is down the 1.2km straight between the slow-speed Turns 5 and 6.

The cars run a high downforce setup and tyre supplier Pirelli says the three softest compounds will be available: the C3 as Hard, the C4 as Medium and the C5 as Soft.

A two-stop strategy is favoured at Yas Marina and teams will look at using the undercut to gain an advantage. However, that requires superb tyre management to limit performance drop off according to Pirelli. The Ferrari drivers have been good at managing their tyres and it could play into Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz’s hands.

Ferrari and McLaren resume battle

It’s hard to separate McLaren and Ferrari, their cars seem to match one another for pace and it could come down to tyre management on Sunday at F1 Abu Dhabi.

The Ferrari is faster on long straights and the warmer temperatures in the desert will favour the Prancing Horse. Leclerc at 7.00 is great odds, particularly because of how well he manages his tyres.

But both Norris (3.50) and the Monegasque driver will have to deal with Verstappen (3.00) who is a four-time winner here.

Look out for Alpine and Haas who are battling to secure P6 in the constructors’ championship and crucial prize money ahead of next season.

Predictions

Grand Prix Winner: Charles Leclerc

Grand Prix podium: Leclerc, Norris, Sainz

Top 4 and 5: Verstappen, Piastri

Winning Margin: Under six seconds

Fastest lap: Leclerc

Pole position: Leclerc

First to retire: Franco Colapinto

First car to retire: Williams

Most Team Points: Ferrari

Both Cars Qualify for Q3 Shootout: McLaren

Practice 1/2/3 Winning Car: Leclerc/ Ferrari

Safety Car: Yes

Fastest pit stop: Red Bull