It’s that time of year where people from all over the world descend on Yas Island for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
It’s one of the biggest events of the year and the eyes of the world are on Yas Marina Circuit as the evening race brings the F1 season to a dramatic close.
Off the track there’s so much going on, from crazy auctions, big parties, pop-up events, brunches, pool parties, concerts and more.
If you’re heading to the big race and need to brush up on your F1 knowledge, we hear you.
So, here’s your quick guide to all the drivers taking part and how the season has gone so far.
The season so far
The driver’s championship has already been tied up well before the last race of the season. Lewis Hamilton sped towards a sixth championship, becoming the most successful British F1 driver of all time. He is now just one championship away from equalling Michael Schumacher’s record of seven driver’s championship wins, and he shows no sign of slowing down any time soon.
The constructor’s championship has also been decided with Mercedes successfully defending the title and with Hamilton and Valtteri Bottas behind the wheel, it’s been a huge year for the drivers and Mercedes.
Hamilton has won the past three driver’s championships and five of the last six, while Mercedes is on a five-year streak when it comes to the constructor’s championship.
Despite the titles already being decided the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is still set up to be a fascinating race as the 2019 Formula One season comes to a close.
Other drivers in the running are becoming tired of watching Hamilton win and Max Verstappen has even called Hamilton’s reign as champion “boring” as the young Dutchman aims to knock him off his throne.
It’s going to be a battle at Yas Marina Circuit and Hamilton will be looking to shake off the challenges from Formula One’s young guns and clinch a fifth race win in the UAE capital.
Ready for the race? Here are all the drivers heading to Abu Dhabi this year.
Drivers
Alfa Romeo
Former Ferrari driver Kimi Raikkonen and Antonio Giovinazzi have had a disappointing season this year and they now find themselves in the bottom half of the driver’s championship standings with little to shout about this season. Raikkonen has previously won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (back in 2012), but the pair will be looking to put this season behind them and focus on turning around their fortunes in 2020.
Ferrari
Sebastian Vettel has enjoyed great success at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in past years, with three race wins in 2009, 2010 and 2013, and he finds himself in the top five this year after a good season behind the wheel. Teammate Charles Leclerc has outshone the German on the track this year and stands only behind Hamilton and Bottas in the standings after wins in Belgium and Italy.
Hass
It’s been a season to forget for Kevin Magnussen, whose high point of the year came in the opening race of the season (he finished in sixth place in the Australian Grand Prix). It’s also been one to forget for Romain Grosjean who retired from races seven times this season leaving him a frustrated figure.
McLaren
It’s hard to take the wheel from Fernando Alonso but Carlos Sainz has taken on the task well and he has had a decent debut season for McLaren, with consistent results across the board. Teammate Lando Norris has endured an average season for McLaren but finds himself looking to secure a position in the top half of the standings by finishing his debut season with McLaren strongly.
Mercedes
What more is there to be said about Mercedes and the dynamic duo or Hamilton and Bottas? Formula One can be split into Mercedes and the chasing pack, with these two proving to be the best in the business and leaving all others in their trail.
Racing Point
Mexican driver Sergio Perez has had a good season achieving his highest race finishing position, sixth place, which he has achieved twice in the Azerbaijan and Belgian Grand Prix’s, after joining the team this season from Force India. For teammate Lance Stroll there’s not been much to shout about other than a fourth-place finish at the German Grand Prix.
Red Bull Racing
Max Verstappen is certainly one to watch in the sport, with his aggressive style and big personality overshadowing his skills at times. He’s yet to really push Hamilton but it’s probably only a matter of time. The Dutchman rarely finishes outside the top four and with teammate Alexander Albon enjoying a strong end to the season, things bode well for 2020 at Red Bull Racing.
Renault
It’s been a real mixed bag for Daniel Ricciardo who endured a torrid start to the season, retiring from four races and being disqualified alongside teammate Niko Hulkenberg at the Japanese Grand Prix. For Hulkenberg it’s not been a glittering year either and he will likely look back at the Italian Grand Prix and a fifth-place finish as a season-high.
Torro Rosso
Pierre Gasly endured a controversial season after being dropped by Red Bull following the Hungarian Grand Prix for not achieving results alongside Verstappen. Instead he represented Torro Rosso for the remainder of the season. Daniil Kvyat will look back on a podium finish in the German Grand Prix as a high point.
Williams
Robert Kubica and George Russell have had a difficult year. Kubica only secured his first point in the season at the German Grand Prix with a tenth-placed finish and will leave Williams at the end of the season. Russell is pointless and at the bottom of the driver’s championship standings.
