From December 10 to 13 the last race of the Formula One season will take place in the UAE.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will take place on Sunday December 13, bringing one of the most challenging years in the sports history to a close.
Looking ahead to the big race, things will be very different at Yas Marina Circuit this year as the best drivers in the world take to the starting grid for the last time in 2020.
Ahead of the big race, here’s what you need to know about the season so far and what to expect at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2020.
The season so far
At the start of 2020 a total of 22 Grand Prix were scheduled for the season but due to the spread of COVID-19, the season drew to a halt and faced delayed, cancelations and postponements of a number of races.
In the end, a rescheduled season saw a total of 17 Grand Prix carried out, as the sport persevered to continue despite global challenges.
On the track it was a familiar story when it came to the Driver’s Championship.
Lewis Hamilton once again took the top prize and has now equalled the record set by Michael Schumacher by clinching his seventh title.
Going into the last race in Abu Dhabi, Mercedes teammate Valterri Bottas and Red Bull Racing Honda driver Max Verstappen are set to end the season with a podium finish in second and third place.
After a terrifying crash in Bahrain, Romain Grosjean is set to miss out on the final race of the season and Lewis Hamilton is also not make the journey to the UAE after testing positive for COVID-19.
The Driver’s Champion will have to overcome several hurdles with testing and other safety requirements to compete in the final race of the season and will receive ‘no special dispensation’ according the sport’s governing body the FIA.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Once Again Abu Dhabi will host to the final race of the season at Yas Marina Circuit on December 13.
In the past two years Lewis Hamilton has won the race (in 2018 and 2019), so with his presence in doubt it’s an opportunity for another driver to take pole position for the first time in the UAE.
Valterri Bottas has previously won the race in 2017 and could take the top prize for a second time but will face stiff competition from Max Verstappen, Sergio Perez, Carlos Sainz Jr and Daniel Ricciardo among others.
Taking place behind closed doors, the race will take place in a bubble on Yas Island with strict safety measures in place to ensure the safety of all drivers, staff and workers helping to make the event possible.
Preparations are well underway at Yas Marina Circuit to being the season to close safely and without major incident.
Will there be fans in the stands?
Racing fans will not be in attendance this year for the first time in the history of the race.
In addition, the concerts, parties and many of the events that take place as part of race week will also not be held in 2020 as safety is the prime concern.
Last week it was announced that some frontline workers will be granted access to Yas Marina Circuit to watch the race from the Abu Dhabi Hill as a gesture of thanks for their hard work this year to keep residents safe.
When will the next Abu Dhabi Grand Prix take place?
The schedule for the 2021 Formula One season has been announced and Abu Dhabi will be the season ending event.
With a year to go until the race it is unclear at this time whether fans will be allowed access to the race in December 2021.
The Grand Prix will be held in Abu Dhabi from December 3 to 5, 2021.
For the latest news stay tuned to Time Out.
