F1 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: Updated Weather Outlook for Season Finale at Yas Marina
After a dramatic and fiercely competitive 23-race calendar, the 2025 Formula 1 season is finally set to reach its conclusion at the iconic Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. For the first time since the unforgettable 2021 showdown, the championship battle has remained unresolved heading into the final round, setting up what promises to be an intense and historic finale.
This year’s title fight features three standout drivers: Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Oscar Piastri. Norris enters the Abu Dhabi weekend at the top of the standings and holds a 12-point advantage over reigning champion Max Verstappen. Piastri remains mathematically in the hunt as well, sitting 16 points behind his McLaren teammate. For Norris, the path is simple: a top-three finish guarantees him his first Formula 1 world title regardless of what his rivals achieve. Verstappen, however, revived his hopes with a crucial victory at the Qatar Grand Prix, especially after Norris finished outside the podium in fourth place. That win has handed Verstappen a shot at claiming a record-extending fifth consecutive world championship. Piastri, meanwhile, needs both speed and a bit of fortune to overturn the deficit.
As the drivers prepare to lock horns one last time, the weather — which can be a decisive factor at Yas Marina — is under close scrutiny. With conditions affecting tyre performance, engine cooling, and aerodynamic balance, teams are paying close attention to the latest forecasts ahead of this championship-deciding weekend.
Weather Conditions for the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Weekend
Saturday, December 6 — FP3 and Qualifying
The final practice session of the weekend is scheduled for Saturday at 2:30pm local time. Compared to Friday, FP3 is expected to take place in slightly hotter conditions. Ambient temperatures are forecast to reach around 28°C, though the “feels like” temperature may climb to 31°C, largely due to humidity levels hovering near 42%. No rainfall is anticipated, meaning teams will be able to conduct their final preparations in stable conditions.
FP3 matters more than usual this weekend, as teams will want precise data on how the cars behave in the hotter daytime temperatures, even though these conditions won’t fully match those in qualifying. With the championship on the line, this session will be vital for fine-tuning set-ups, particularly for managing tyre temperatures — a known challenge at Yas Marina.
Qualifying — a session that has played a huge role in shaping this season’s title battle — begins at 6pm local time. Once the sun sets, the track will cool slightly, making for conditions much closer to what the drivers will face on Sunday. Air temperature is expected to drop to 25°C, with clear skies ensuring consistent grip levels throughout the evening. Humidity will increase to around 60%, and light wind speeds of about 6 mph are forecast. Importantly, there is no rain expected during qualifying, which means fans are likely to witness a pure, straightforward contest for pole position between the three championship contenders.
Given that overtaking at Yas Marina can be challenging, starting position will be crucial. A strong qualifying session could determine the momentum heading into the race, especially in a title fight where every small advantage counts.
Sunday, December 7 — Race Day
The 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will commence at 5pm local time, beginning in daylight before transitioning into the traditional twilight setting that Yas Marina is known for. The unique lighting conditions can influence visibility, track evolution, and tyre life, making strategy even more important.
Race-start temperatures are expected to be around 29°C, slightly hotter than qualifying, before gradually dropping to 27°C as the sun sets over the marina. As with the rest of the weekend, no rain is expected, ensuring a dry and clean championship battle. Humidity levels will sit around 60%, the highest of the weekend, which could increase physical strain on the drivers over the 58-lap race.
Wind speeds may reach 10 mph at lights-out and are expected to shift direction toward the south. This change in wind direction could influence braking zones and corner stability, particularly through the circuit’s long straights and complex chicanes. Drivers and engineers may need to make late adjustments to compensate for these conditions.
By the time the chequered flag waves, the world will finally know the identity of the 2025 Formula 1 World Champion. With evenly matched competition, a close title margin, and relatively stable weather predicted for the weekend, fans can expect a fittingly dramatic end to a memorable season.
