F1 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: Official Starting Grid with Penalties Applied
The FIA has officially confirmed the starting lineup for the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, setting the stage for what promises to be one of the most intense championship deciders Formula 1 has seen in years. As the sun sets over the Yas Marina Circuit this Sunday (December 7), all eyes will be on Lando Norris and Max Verstappen—two drivers locked in a dramatic fight for the world title.
Norris arrives at the finale with a 12-point lead over Verstappen in the drivers’ standings, giving him a valuable—but not unshakeable—cushion going into the final race of the season. Yet despite the McLaren star’s advantage, it was Max Verstappen who delivered under pressure, securing pole position during Saturday’s qualifying session. The Dutchman’s performance reignites his hopes of claiming a fifth consecutive Formula 1 world championship, a feat that would place him among the sport’s greatest dynasties.
Meanwhile, the battle order behind them only heightens the excitement. Oscar Piastri starts from third, giving McLaren a strategic advantage at the front. Piastri, who has shown razor-sharp form throughout the year, could play a crucial role in how the title fight unfolds—intentionally or otherwise. The Australian has already hinted at confidence going into Turn 1, raising the possibility of a bold move that might influence the championship narrative.
Lurking just behind the top three is George Russell, who lines up fourth for Mercedes. Russell has been one of the most consistent performers of the season, and his ability to disrupt the leaders—especially into the opening corners—could create chaos that shifts the balance in the title showdown.
With the grid now locked in and all penalty adjustments applied, here is how the drivers will line up for the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix:
Official Starting Grid – 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Position — Driver — Team
1. Max Verstappen — Red Bull
2. Lando Norris — McLaren
3. Oscar Piastri — McLaren
4. George Russell — Mercedes
5. Charles Leclerc — Ferrari
6. Fernando Alonso — Aston Martin
7. Gabriel Bortoleto — Kick Sauber
8. Esteban Ocon — Haas
9. Isack Hadjar — Racing Bulls
10. Yuki Tsunoda — Red Bull
11. Oliver Bearman — Haas
12. Carlos Sainz — Williams
13. Liam Lawson — Racing Bulls
14. Kimi Antonelli — Mercedes
15. Lance Stroll — Aston Martin
16. Lewis Hamilton — Ferrari
17. Alex Albon — Williams
18. Nico Hulkenberg — Kick Sauber
19. Pierre Gasly — Alpine
20. Franco Colapinto — Alpine
With every driver confirmed and the stage set, the final race is expected to deliver an unforgettable mix of strategy, pace, and championship drama.
Race Start Time – Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
The 2025 season finale begins at 6:00 pm local time (GST) under the Yas Marina floodlights. For fans watching around the world, the start time varies based on region:
UK (GMT): 1 pm Sunday
CET: 2 pm Sunday
US (ET): 9 am Sunday
US (CT): 8 am Sunday
US (PT): 6 am Sunday
Brazil (BRT): 11 am Sunday
Australia (AET): 1 am Monday
Australia (ACT): 12:30 am Monday
Japan (JST): 11 pm Sunday
South Africa / Egypt: 4 pm Sunday
China / Singapore: 10 pm Sunday
Turkey / Saudi Arabia: 5 pm Sunday
India (IST): 7:30 pm Sunday
The global spread of these times underscores F1’s massive worldwide audience, especially for a race with championship implications.
Where to Watch the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Live
Broadcast coverage depends on region, with major networks carrying the final race of the season:
United Kingdom: Sky Sports
United States: ESPN, ESPN Deportes
Italy: Sky Italia
Netherlands: Viaplay, Viaplay Xtra
China: CCTV, Shanghai TV, Guangdong TV, Tencent
Japan: Fuji TV, DAZN
Australia: Fox Sports, Kayo, Network Ten
Spain: DAZN F1, Mediaset
Canada: CTV, RDS, TSN, Noovo
Germany: Sky Deutschland, RTL
France: Canal+
Belgium: RTBF, Telenet, Play Sports
Brazil: Bandeirantes, Bandsports
Middle East & Turkey: beIN Sports
Africa: SuperSport
Latin America: ESPN
Notably, fans in Austria (ORF), Belgium (RTBF), and Luxembourg (RTL.lu) have access to free live streams of every race—including this season finale.
Additionally, F1TV Pro provides live coverage in eligible regions.
The 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix promises a thrilling conclusion to a fiercely competitive season. With Verstappen chasing history, Norris hunting his first championship, and the rest of the field ready to influence the outcome, the world prepares for a dramatic ending under the lights of Yas Marina.
