The thrilling 2025 Formula 1 World Championship is set to conclude in Abu Dhabi this weekend, 268 days after we kicked off the campaign with Free Practice 1 in the season opener in Australia.

Lando and Oscar both go into the finale in contention for the title, which will be decided this weekend at the Yas Marina Circuit.

We caught up with Lando, Oscar, and Team Principal Andrea Stella ahead of the weekend to get their thoughts on the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. We’ve also spoken to Pato O’Ward, who is set to drive the MCL39 during Free Practice 1, completing our requirement to run rookies in two Free Practice sessions per driver, as mandated in the Sporting Regulations.

Discover the reasons why we love coming here, the circuit’s main challenges, and we’ve got another quiz question for you to tackle. 

“The final race, Abu Dhabi. I’m excited. Last year, we had the Constructors’ Championship to go for, and this year, we go in as Champions, with another important Championship to win. It’s amazing to see how much we’ve achieved.

“It’s been an incredible season. We have an incredible car. I’m proud of everyone in the team. Thank you to all of our fans. We’ve got one more race, and we’ll give it everything.”

“Qatar was one of my strongest weekends in F1. The aim for Abu Dhabi is to replicate that and do everything I can for the race win.

“I will give it my all and make sure I leave no points on the table in this final race.”

“We have a very important week ahead as a team. I will be doing my best to help us put our best foot forward to kick off the weekend. I’m excited to see what the outcome will be come race day, and will be supporting Lando and Oscar along the way as they push to make history.”

“McLaren arrives at the final race of the season having secured the Constructors' title with six races remaining and with Lando and Oscar in contention to win the Drivers' Championship. If someone had told us ten months ago that we would be in this position, we would have signed up immediately! We should be proud of what we have achieved so far and of being protagonists in what will be an important page in the history of Formula 1.  

“The last two races certainly did not go as we wanted, for very different reasons. After each setback, we have always shown that we know how to react, learning from our mistakes and working as a united and cohesive team. It will be the same in Abu Dhabi, on the track where twelve months ago we put the team back to the top. We will do everything possible to put our drivers in the best position to win the title, continuing to pursue our way of approaching racing, with the aim of bringing back to McLaren a double World Championship that has been missing for 27 years.” 

Why we love the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Watching F1 cars wind their way around this special circuit while the sun sets in the background is a mightily enjoyable way to close out the season. The Yas Marina Circuit presents a stunning setting in which to go racing, with the track weaving around the marina and underground, beneath a hotel, but it’s not only aesthetically pleasing, it’s also built for wheel-to-wheel racing.

Fast and flowing, but with numerous slow corners that are designed to bunch up the field and provide overtaking opportunities, the Yas Marina Circuit regularly produces breathtaking battles.

A high-speed start to the lap is followed by several slower turns before cars are unleashed down the track’s longest straight, which is between the slow speed Turns 5 and 6, and an excellent spot to make a move. Another excellent watch is cars going wheel-to-wheel is through Turns 10 to 12, a series of medium and low speed corners that require hard braking and allow for overtaking.

What are the challenges?

The sunset poses an interesting challenge, as drivers and teams need to adapt to changing conditions and temperatures.

Firstly, there is the impact on visibility, with drivers competing in changing light conditions that can also result in glare from the setting sun. Though the impact of this is minimal due to the driver’s dark visors and the circuit’s sophisticated floodlight system, which is designed to be "daylight-mimicking".

There is also the fact that the first and third Practice sessions take place at different times of day from the race, limiting how translatable the learnings from these sessions are and increasing the importance of Free Practice 2.

However, the biggest impact is on the car’s balance and tyre performance. A setup and strategy that works well in the day, might not be as effective in the evening, when temperatures are much cooler. Tyre performance is heavily dependent on temperature, while a cooler track surface also decreases grip and increases the likelihood of understeer – all of which teams will need to compensate for when setting up the car.

The season so far 

Oscar and Lando finished second and fourth, respectively, last time out in Qatar, meaning we head into the season finale in Abu Dhabi first and third in the Drivers’ Championship. Lando is top of the standings on 408 points, ahead of Max Verstappen on 396 and Oscar on 392.

The fit

Still searching for that perfect Christmas present for your family and friends? Look no further, the end-of-season McLaren Store sale has something for everyone.

There are LEGO sets for the builders in your life, jackets for the explorers, and a McLaren Teddy Bear Mascot for the cuddlers. Or, why not treat yourself to an early Christmas present with a new papaya outfit? You deserve it.