The ultimate race of the season on the Yas Marina circuit has concluded. From a strategic perspective, the race unfolded as anticipated. The quickest technique was a one-stop Medium-Arduous, as demonstrated by Charles Leclerc, who managed to complete on the rostrum regardless of ranging from P19.
Nonetheless, as we predicted earlier, there was mixture of one- and two-stop methods. What we didn’t anticipate was the variety of overtakes. Fortunately incorrect on that depend, because it made for a extra thrilling race.
Technique Recap
Earlier than diving into particulars, right here’s a fast recap: the commonest technique was the Medium C4 – Arduous C3 choice, utilized by Norris, Sainz, Leclerc, Russell, Verstappen, Gasly, Hulkenberg, Albon, Tsunoda, and Doohan. The one driver on Arduous-Medium was Lewis Hamilton, who climbed from P16 to P4.
A number of drivers opted for the two-stop Medium-Arduous-Arduous technique. Regardless of being much less advantageous, Alonso and Piastri nonetheless completed within the prime 10, with Piastri overcoming a 10-second penalty for an early collision with Colapinto (who retired halfway on account of injury). Zhou and Stroll additionally used this strategy. Colapinto and Bottas possible would have joined them, however each retired after switching their Mediums nicely earlier than lap 10.
Magnussen adopted an experimental technique of Medium-Arduous-Arduous-Gentle-Gentle. Ending final, he confronted an issue throughout his second cease, prompting Haas to pit him once more to assemble Gentle tire knowledge. Magnussen accomplished 25 laps on Softs and set the quickest lap (1:25.637), breaking the observe file. Nonetheless, as he completed sixteenth, no further level was awarded. The race noticed 4 retirements: Lawson, Bottas, Colapinto, and Perez.
Norris Triumphs Over Sainz by Managing the Race Nicely
From a strategic perspective, the race supplied little drama. Nonetheless, two factors stand out: the effectiveness of the undercut and its influence. The primary instance got here when Leclerc handed Russell by pitting earlier, securing third place. The second was with Sainz, who pitted on lap 26 whereas trailing Norris by 3.8 seconds. Norris instantly reacted, pitting the subsequent lap, and emerged simply 1.6 seconds forward. Ferrari gained over two seconds with the undercut, however McLaren’s cushion ensured Norris maintained management. From there, he solely needed to handle the race.
Charles Leclerc’s Strategic Genius Avoids a Second Cease
Leclerc’s comeback from P19 started with a flying begin. By lap 2, throughout the Digital Security Automotive for Sergio Perez’s retirement, he was already in P8. A couple of incidents forward helped, nevertheless it was a stellar efficiency nonetheless.
From there, overtaking Kevin Magnussen, Fernando Alonso, and Nico Hulkenberg was simple. Nonetheless, his progress stalled on lap 13 behind Russell. Ferrari determined to pit early on lap 21, switching to Hards. Mercedes, involved it was too early to one-stop, stored Russell out till lap 27. This allowed Leclerc to overhaul with a 3-second benefit.
Charles Leclerc then showcased tire administration abilities, ending third with a 4.5-second cushion over Hamilton, who used a Arduous-Medium technique. Ferrari debated throughout the race whether or not a second cease would have been higher, nevertheless it’s clear this may have solely difficult issues. Hamilton, who pitted on lap 34, was in P3 with a 2.2-second hole to Leclerc. If Charles Leclerc had stopped once more, he would have confronted a direct combat with Lewis for P3—a unnecessary threat when he secured the place by managing his tires successfully.
A Masterclass from Ferrari’s 2025 Duo
Each Leclerc and Hamilton delivered distinctive performances in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Leclerc’s restoration from P19 and Hamilton’s leap from P16 to P12 in a single lap—on Arduous tires, no much less—highlighted their talent. Whereas neither received in Abu Dhabi, they showcased their immense expertise. Their performances promise an thrilling partnership for 2025.
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