As the cars race into the sunset this weekend at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the sun will also set on the 2017 Formula 1 season. Abu Dhabi is a unique Grand Prix not only because the Yas Marina circuit is run counterclockwise but also because the race will occur from sunset into darkness, natural light into artificial light. It is also said to be the costliest circuit to construct on the Formula 1 calendar.
McLaren and Honda enter the weekend with their heads held high and eyes toward their new futures as they began the season unable to finish a race and are now able to challenge the likes of Force India and Williams. Still, it was too little too late to save the partnership. The team expects they can put both cars in the points despite the mixed attributes of Yas Marina making it difficult to choose the proper setup.
Elsewhere on the grid, it’s anyone’s guess whether Mercedes or Ferrari will be on top the podium. Technically there is still a battle between Mercedes (Bottas) and Ferrari (Vettel) for second place in the WDC; although Hamilton insists he will not help Bottas by intentionally slowing his pace. Four Grands prix ago Red Bull would’ve been a natural spoiler to the top two teams; however, Renaualt’s recent and disastrous string of engine problems (with precious few replacement parts left) has meant running in reduced power modes. We should expect a very strong race from Force India and, depending how Red Bull runs their engine, could split or surpass them. From there we can expect Williams, Renault, and Haas to be in a close battle for the final points-paying position(s). Toro Rosso will likely be towards the back as they seem to have taken the worst of Renault’s engine woes. Sauber will round-out the order.
Abu Dhabi obviously marks the end of our 2017 Formula 1 Grand Prix coverage. On behalf of TOV/ TOV Motorsports I would like to sincerely thank everyone who reads these posts and participates in the discussions; we’ve had some great ones this year. We now look forward to 2018 and what the future holds as Honda embarks on a new journey with Scuderia Toro Rosso. Again, thank you all.
US TV TIMES
Practice 1: Friday November 24th, 4:00AM
EST
,
NBC
Sports Live Extra
Practice 2: Friday November 24th, 8:00AM
EST
,
NBCSN
Practice 3: Saturday November 25th, 5:00AM
EST
,
NBC
Sports Live Extra
Qualifying: Saturday November 25th, 8:00AM
EST
,
NBCSN
Race: Sunday November 26th, 7:00AM
EST
,
NBCSN
CIRCUIT
INFORMATION
Lap data
Lap length: 5.554km (3.451 miles)
Race laps: 55
Race distance: 305.355km (189.739 miles)
Pole position: Right-hand side of the track
Lap record*: 1’40.279 (199.388 kph) by Sebastian Vettel, 2009
Fastest lap: 1’38.434 (203.125 kph) by Lewis Hamilton, 2011
Maximum speed: 320kph (198.839 mph)
DRS
zone/s (race): Two straights
Distance from grid to turn one: 300m
Car performance
Full throttle: 59%
Longest flat-out section: 1233m
Downforce level: High
Gear changes per lap: 68
Fuel use per lap: 1.8kg
Time penalty per lap of fuel: 0.054s
Strategy
Quickest complete pit stop in 2013: 21.175s by Red Bull (see full list)
2016 prime tyre: Soft & Super-soft (2015: Soft)
2016 option tyre: Ultra-soft (2015: Super-soft)
*Fastest lap set during a Grand Prix
Data sources:
FIA
, Williams, Mercedes
2016 (V6
TURBO
ERA
) RESULTS
Race Info.
Pole: Lewis Hamilton – 1:38.755
Race laps: 55
Fast race lap: Sebastian Vettel – 1:43.729
Podium
1. Lewis Hamilton – Mercedes
2. Nico Rosberg – Mercedes
3. Sebastian Vettel – Ferrari
CURRENT
STANDINGS:
Drivers:
1. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
AMG
Petronas, 345
2. Sebastian Vettel, Scuderia Ferrari, 302
3. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes
AMG
Petronas, 280
4. Daniel Ricciardo, Red Bull Racing, 200
5. Kimi Raikkonen, Scuderia Ferrari, 193
6. Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, 158
7. Sergio Perez, Sahara Force India, 94
8. Esteban Ocon, Sahara Force India, 83
9. Carlos Sainz, Scuderia Toro Rosso, 54
10. Felipe Massa, Williams Martini Racing, 42
Constructors:
1. Mercedes
AMG
Petronas, 625
2. Scuderia Ferrari, 495
3. Red Bull Racing, 358
4. Sahara Force India, 177
5. Williams Martini Racing, 82
6. Scuderia Toro Rosso, 53
7. Renault Sport F1, 49
8. Haas F1 Team, 47
9. McLaren-Honda, 28
10. Sauber, 5
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