F1 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Weather Fo…read more
After 23 dramatic and hard-fought rounds, the 2025 Formula 1 season is set for a spectacular finale at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The Yas Marina Circuit will once again play host to one of the most decisive and highly anticipated conclusions to a championship campaign. For the first time since 2021, the title remains unresolved heading into the final race, adding extra layers of tension, strategy, and unpredictability.
Lando Norris enters the weekend as the championship leader, holding a narrow advantage over his closest rivals. With only 12 points separating him from four-time world champion Max Verstappen, and Oscar Piastri trailing by 16 points, the outcome of this finale remains wide open. A top-three finish would mathematically secure Norris his first world championship title, but with the form and resilience shown by Verstappen in Qatar—where he claimed victory while Norris finished fourth—there is no room for complacency. Piastri, though facing steeper odds, is still mathematically in contention and will be pushing for a miracle result.
But while the battle between Norris, Verstappen, and Piastri dominates headlines, another crucial factor could influence the final showdown: the weather. Conditions at Yas Marina often shift between the daytime heat and the cooler evening races, making the forecast a significant part of every team’s preparation.
Friday, December 5 – FP1 & FP2
Abu Dhabi returns to the standard non-sprint weekend format, meaning Friday features two practice sessions.
FP1 begins at 1:30pm local time, held in the early afternoon when the desert heat is at its peak. Air temperatures are expected to sit around 27°C, but the real-feel temperature will rise to about 31°C under the strong Gulf sun. Humidity will hover around 46%, making conditions slightly sticky but manageable for drivers and teams. Fortunately, meteorologists predict zero chance of rain, ensuring that teams will be able to run their programs uninterrupted.
Despite the stable conditions, FP1 times should not be taken too seriously. The hot track surface and direct sunlight make the session unrepresentative of qualifying and race conditions, both of which take place later in the day under cooler skies.
FP2, scheduled for 5:00pm, will offer teams the first meaningful glimpse of performance. As the session runs under the floodlights, temperatures will gradually drop, settling at around 25°C by the end of the hour. This session closely mirrors the conditions expected for both Saturday’s qualifying and Sunday’s race, making FP2 crucial for long-run data, tyre assessments, and setup decisions.
With no rain forecast and calmer winds than those seen in Qatar, FP2 should be smooth and productive for all 20 drivers
Saturday, December 6 – FP3 & Qualifying
The final practice session, FP3, starts at 2:30pm local time. Temperatures will climb slightly higher than Friday, reaching an expected 28°C, with a real-feel of around 32°C. Humidity remains stable at 45%, and once again, no rain is expected. The session will be valuable for last-minute adjustments but, like FP1, won’t fully reflect evening racing conditions.
However, all eyes will be on qualifying at 6:00pm, arguably one of the most critical qualifying sessions in recent F1 history. The three title contenders have frequently relied on strong grid positions throughout the season, making Saturday’s performance potentially decisive.
Qualifying will take place under clear skies, with temperatures dropping to around 26°C as darkness sets in. Humidity will rise to approximately 58%, and light winds—around 7mph—are expected. Conditions should be consistent and dry, setting the stage for a pure, undisturbed fight for pole position between Norris, Verstappen, and Piastri.
Sunday, December 7 – Race Day
The grand finale begins at 5:00pm. The race will start in daylight before naturally transitioning into a twilight event, one of the trademark features that make the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix visually iconic.
Temperatures at lights out will sit at 27°C, gradually cooling to about 25°C as the 58-lap race progresses. No rain is forecast for Sunday either, keeping the race conditions stable and predictable. Humidity will rise to around 60%, slightly higher than earlier sessions, but still within normal Abu Dhabi levels.
One factor to watch will be the wind. Gusts could reach 10mph and shift direction toward the south. Even relatively small wind changes at Yas Marina can alter braking points and corner balance—something the title contenders will need to adapt to quickly. With the championship on the line, the smallest mistake could be costly.
Although the forecast is stable for now, weather predictions can still change as the weekend approaches. Supporters and teams are advised to stay updated on any last-minute developments as the season reaches its thrilling climax.
