Start Time for the 2025 F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Full Weekend Schedule and What to Expect
The 2025 Formula 1 season is heading toward a dramatic and unforgettable conclusion as the paddock arrives at the iconic Yas Marina Circuit for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. After 23 rounds of intense racing, unpredictable twists, and shifting momentum between the championship contenders, the title fight will finally be settled this weekend. The Abu Dhabi GP, serving as Round 24 of the season, promises to deliver tension, strategy, and potentially a career-defining moment for one of the three drivers still mathematically in the fight for the world championship.
This year’s championship battle has been one of the most tightly contested in recent memory, with Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, and Oscar Piastri all arriving in the UAE with a realistic chance of securing the crown. The stakes could not be higher, and every session—from practice to qualifying to the race—holds significant weight. With so much on the line, fans across the world will be eager to keep up with the action, and knowing the precise schedule is essential.
The main event, the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, will take place on Sunday, December 7th, with lights out scheduled for 13:00 GMT, which corresponds to 16:00 local time in Abu Dhabi. Over the course of 58 laps, expected to last around one hour and thirty minutes, the world will witness the conclusion of one of the closest championship battles in modern F1.
Below, you’ll find a complete breakdown of the weekend schedule, including session times adjusted to your time zone. This ensures fans from anywhere in the world can follow the final installment of the season without missing a moment of the action.
Why This Year’s Finale Matters
While the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has often been the setting for season finales, not every year carries the intensity and unpredictability that 2025 brings. The rivalry between the top three drivers has delivered spectacular on-track duels, tense post-race exchanges, and fluctuating standings throughout the season.
- Lando Norris leads the championship entering the weekend, needing a strong finish—possibly even just a podium—to secure his first-ever world title.
- Max Verstappen, seeking yet another crown, remains firmly in contention. His performances in the latter part of the season have kept pressure on Norris, and Abu Dhabi has historically been one of his strongest circuits.
- Oscar Piastri, who led the championship for a large portion of the year, is still in the hunt as well. A standout season filled with victories and consistency has put the young Australian on the cusp of making history.
With all three contenders capable of winning under the right circumstances, qualifying and race strategy will play crucial roles. Tire management, pit stop timing, and track position will all become decisive as teams look to extract every advantage in this title showdown.
Full Session Schedule for the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
All times listed automatically adjust to your local time zone based on your device settings. Here is the complete rundown of every session for the final race weekend of the 2025 Formula 1 season:
Friday, 5 December 2025 – Free Practice
- Free Practice 1:
10:30 – 11:30
The first hour of running gives teams their initial feel of track conditions, long-run pace, and setup possibilities. - Free Practice 2:
14:00 – 15:00
Typically the most important practice session of the day, FP2 takes place during similar conditions to qualifying and the race.
Saturday, 6 December 2025 – Final Practice & Qualifying
- Free Practice 3:
11:30 – 12:30
A last chance for teams to fine-tune their cars before the intense and decisive qualifying battle. - Qualifying:
15:00 – 16:00
The session that could define the championship. Starting position at Yas Marina is crucial, especially in a three-way title fight.
Sunday, 7 December 2025 – Race Day
- Race:
14:00 – 16:00
The grand finale. After nearly two hours of racing, the world will finally know who emerges as the 2025 Formula 1 World Champion.
Final Thoughts
All eyes will be on Yas Marina as the motorsport world prepares for what could become an iconic moment in Formula 1 history. Whether Norris claims his maiden title, Verstappen stages another championship comeback, or Piastri caps a breakout season with ultimate glory, the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is destined to be one for the ages.
