Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2021: Race start time UK, qualifying results and how can I watch F1 on TV today?

Marc Mayo12 December 2021

The day has arrived. After 21 races, Formula 1’s world championship will be decided at this afternoon’s season finale as Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton go head-to-head at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The permutations are simple; both drivers enter the season finale on 369.5 points, whoever finishes ahead in Abu Dhabi wins the title, and if they both fail to finish it is Verstappen who triumphs.

Three victories in a row, each with his rival second, have put Hamilton within reach of a record eighth championship while Mercedes are also nearing yet another Constructors’ crown.

To cap the most exciting title battle in a decade, who will come out on top at Yas Marina?

Verstappen had the edge in the first practice session of the weekend. He topped the standings, 0.196s ahead of Valtteri Bottas, with Hamilton in third and over three tenths off the pace of his title rivals.

The second practice session today may prove to be more useful in judging the pace of Red Bull and Mercedes, as it takes place later in the day and away from the hottest afternoon temperatures, just as qualifying and the race will be.

Hamilton was quickest in FP2, with Verstappen down in fourth, as Mercedes finished the first day in Abu Dhabi happy with the pace they were able to produce, and again had the pace in the final practice session.

But Verstappen performed when it really mattered in qualifying, and he will start the race on pole with Hamilton alongside him on the front-row.

Every session will be crucial - get the full lowdown below...

When is the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?

The 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will take place today, December 12, 2021 at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.

What time is the 202 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?

This afternoon’s race is scheduled for 1pm GMT.

Getty Images

How can I watch the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?

TV channel: The race will be shown LIVE on Sky Sports F1, Main Event and Showcase. Coverage of Grand Prix Sunday starts at 11.30am. Channel 4 will also broadcast the race for free after agreeing a deal with Sky and their coverage begins at 12pm.

Live stream: Sky Sports subscribers can also stream the action live online via the SkyGo app. The race is also set to be streamed live on Channel 4’s website.

Who is on pole?

Max Verstappen will start the title showdown on pole after a brilliant performance in Q3, aided by his teammate who gave the Dutchman a slipstream down the straight. Lewis Hamilton could not respond and had to settle for second, with Lando Norris a surprise third.

1. Max Verstappen, Netherlands, 1 minute, 22.109 seconds. 2. Lewis Hamilton, Great Britain, 1:22.480. 3. Lando Norris, Great Britain, 1:22.931. 4. Sergio Perez, Mexico, 1:22.947. 5. Carlos Sainz Jr, Spain, 1:22.992. 6. Valtteri Bottas, Finland, 1:23.036. 7. Charles Leclerc, Monaco, 1:23.122. 8. Yuki Tsunoda, Japan, 1:23.220. 9. Esteban Ocon, France, 1:23.389. 10. Daniel Ricciardo, Australia, 1:23.409.

Eliminated after second session 11. Fernando Alonso, Spain, 1:23.460. 12. Pierre Gasly, France, 1:24.043. 13. Lance Stroll, Canada, 1:24.066. 14. Antonio Giovinazzi, Italy, 1:24.251. 15. Sebastian Vettel, Germany, 1:24.305.

Eliminated after first session 16. Nicholas Latifi, Canada, 1:24.338. 17. George Russell, Great Britain, 1:24.423. 18. Kimi Raikkonen, Finland, 1:24.779. 19. Mick Schumacher, Germany, 1:24.906. 20. Nikita Mazepin, Russia, 1:25.685.

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