Abu Dhabi Grand Prix preview | Will Verstappen finish in style?

For the past two seasons, Verstappen has been the best in Abu Dhabi, at a track that should suit Red Bull just fine this season too. A tight track, warm conditions and a driver in top form. While past successes do not guarantee the future, they do give an indication. A year ago, Verstappen finished the race over eight seconds ahead of Charles Leclerc, who also proved to be the Red Bulls' main challenger in Las Vegas last weekend.

However, the Ferrari driver is not under too many illusions about the closing Grand Prix in advance. "Whenever it's warmer, we struggle more, so it doesn't give me any more confidence for the future because Abu Dhabi is going to be very different compared to here," he said last weekend.

Battle between Ferrari and Mercedes

Still, all eyes in Abu Dhabi will be on the performance of Ferrari and Mercedes. Only four points is the difference between the two teams in the World Constructors' Championship, in Mercedes' favour. The second place that both teams are vying for is hugely important, as it provides significantly more prize money than place three. At least in terms of the speed shown in Las Vegas, Ferrari has tanked confidence, while Mercedes is in freefall.

It will come down to details, that much is certain, and the outcome of this battle is by no means predictable. What is certain is that Sergio Perez starts the closing weekend knowing that he can call himself vice-world champion. Possibly that has taken the pressure off his shoulders and he knows how to rise above himself in Abu Dhabi. Whatever the case: the Mexican will have to deal with teammate Max Verstappen, who is looking to end his record-packed season with another highlight.