As the cars race into the sunset this weekend at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the sun will also set on the 2018 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. Built on a man-made island, Yas Marina is also said to be the costliest circuit to construct on the Formula 1 calendar.
Toro Rosso Honda will enter the weekend satisfied with their season because they helped Honda and, in turn, helped both Red Bull and themselves prepare for a better 2019, though the team certainly wishes more points had been tallied along the way. We can expect to see one car in the points on Sunday as the team will use up any life remaining in its engines to try and end the season on a high.
Elsewhere on the grid, fierce competitors that they are, Mercedes has promised they will “go for broke” now that they have won both constructor and driver titles. It remains to be seen whether Lewis Hamilton will take an engine penalty and fight his way through the grid. Ferrari will be racing hard in order to save face as yet another year has gone by where they failed to capture a title despite being in a position to do so. Red Bull should slot in behind the top two teams; however, if their pace in Brazil can be duplicated they could be a contender for a podium spot. Following the top teams we can expect a Haas and a Force India to be battling for 'best-of-the-rest’. From here a strong battle between a Renault and a Sauber should take shape. McLaren likely will not be able to end its season and final Formula 1 race for Fernando Alonso with points. Williams will round out the order as they gladly close the door on a dismal 2018.
Abu Dhabi marks the end of our 2018 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 conversation and debates this year. We look forward to 2019 and what the future holds as Honda embarks on its new journey with Red Bull Racing. Again, thank you all.
US TV TIMES
Practice 1 – Friday, Nov. 23, 4:55 AM – ESPN2
Practice 2 – Friday, Nov. 23, 7:55 AM –
ESPNU
Practice 3 – Saturday, Nov. 24, 4:55 AM – ESPN2
Qualifying – Saturday, Nov. 24, 7:55 AM – ESPN2
On The Grid – Sunday, Nov. 24, 7:30 AM – ESPN2
Race – Sunday, Nov. 25, 8:05 AM – ESPN2
Encore – Sunday, Nov. 25, 9:00 PM –
ESPNEWS
Encore – Monday, Nov. 26, 12:30 AM – ESPN2
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: 1’36.231 by Valtteri Bottas, 2017
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)
2018 tyres: Supersoft, Ultrasoft, Hypersoft
*Fastest lap set during a Grand Prix
Data sources:
FIA
, Williams, Mercedes
2017 RESULTS
Race Info.
Pole: Valtteri Bottas – 1:36.231
Race laps: 55
Fast race lap: Valtteri Bottas – 1:40.650
Podium
1. Valtteri Bottas – Mercedes
2. Lewis Hamilton – Mercedes
3. Sebastian Vettel – Ferrari
CURRENT STANDINGS
Drivers:
1. Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
AMG
Petronas, 383
2. Sebastian Vettel, Scuderia Ferrari, 302
3. Kimi Raikkonen, Scuderia Ferrari, 251
4. Valtteri Bottas, Mercedes
AMG
Petronas, 237
5. Max Verstappen, Aston Martin Red Bull Racing, 234
6. Daniel Ricciardo, Aston Martin Red Bull Racing, 158
7. Nico Hulkenberg, Renault Sport F1, 69
8. Sergio Perez, Force India, 58
9. Kevin Magnussen, Haas, 55
10. Fernando Alonso, McLaren Renault, 50
Constructors:
1. Mercedes
AMG
Petronas, 620
2. Scuderia Ferrari, 553
3. Aston Martin Red Bull Racing, 392
4. Renault Sport F1, 114
5. Haas, 90
6. McLaren Renault, 62
7. Racing Point Force India, 48
8. Alfa Romeo Sauber, 42
9. Toro Rosso, 33
10. Williams Martini Racing, 7
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