RADIO
Euan Leith's preview of the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix for F1 Fantasy includes weather updates, differentials for your squads, and predictions for qualifying and the Grand Prix.
Happy Abu Dhabi GP, RotoBallers! It's the final race of the longest season in Formula 1 history. There have been twists and turns throughout the calendar, and there's still plenty to race for at the Yas Marina Circuit.
McLaren and Ferrari are battling for the Constructors Championship while their first drivers, Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc, fight for P2 in the Drivers Championship. Unfortunately, Ferrari will have to fight going uphill after Charles Leclerc was forced to take a grid penalty for new power unit components.
The deadline for the Abu Dhabi GP in F1 Fantasy is Saturday, December 7, at 9:00 a.m. Eastern, when Qualifying starts. Also, check out the rest of our excellent DFS racing coverage to get you through every NASCAR and Formula 1 race.
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Make sure you get your squad locked in BEFORE qualifying starts 🔐#F1 #AbuDhabiGP
— Formula 1 (@F1) December 6, 2024
Previous Abu Dhabi Grand PrixWinners
- 2023: Max Verstappen, Red Bull
- 2022: Max Verstappen, Red Bull
- 2021: Max Verstappen, Red Bull
- 2020: Max Verstappen, Red Bull
- 2019: Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Schedule
Friday, December 6th
- Practice 1: 4:30 a.m. ET
- Practice 2: 8:00 a.m. ET
Saturday, November 30th
- Practice 3: 5:30 a.m ET
- Qualifying: 9:00 a.m. ET (***F1 Fantasy lineup lock***)
Sunday, December 1st
- Race: 8:00 a.m ET
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Weather
As is often the case in Abu Dhabi, the weather is spectacular. It is not too hot (29°C/84°F) and has zero percent chance of precipitation.
F1 Fantasy Chip Strategy
It's the final race of the 2024 F1 Fantasy season, so use any of the chips you have left.
Extra DRS
Given Charles Leclerc's 10-place grid penalty for new power unit components, I would give the Monegasque driver the Extra DRS boost and pair him with either Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri, depending on your budget.
Leclerc hit with 10-place grid drop for Abu Dhabi GP amid tight constructors' battle.
Full story on the Ferrari driver's penalty 👇https://t.co/e39b7WOKax
— Formula 1 (@F1) December 6, 2024
Limitless
It's quite an easy week if you have the Limitless chip. I'd roll with triple McLaren, Triple Ferrari, and then Max Verstappen. The four-time World Champion has won this race four seasons in a row, and I wouldn't count him out despite a tough Friday for the Red Bull driver.
Auto Pilot
Another sound chip this weekend, as Leclerc could charge through the field, but the McLarens should finish high. If you have Leclerc and one of the McLaren drivers, the Auto Pilot chip will be handy.
F1 Fantasy Differentials
Drivers in less than 25 percent of the Global Top 500 are eligible for differential picks. Data courtesy of f1fantasytools.com.
Carlo Sainz, Ferrari (12.0% rostered)
While Charles Leclerc will start down the grid due to a penalty, Carlos Sainz had a quietly productive Friday. A P4 in the second practice shows Ferrari has the chops to compete this weekend. If you are tight on budget, Sainz will be an under-the-radar selection.
Kevin Magnussen, Haas (8.8% rostered)
In his (presumed) final Formula 1 race, Kevin Magnussen is going out in a blaze of glory. The Driver of the Day award is worth 10 points in F1 Fantasy and usually goes to a driver heading out the door. In 2021, it went to Kimi Raikkonen, and in 2022, it was given to Sebastian Vettel.
Jack Doohan, Alpine (0.0% rostered)
The new kid on the block in the final race of the season. We weren't expecting to see Jack Doohan until 2025, but he's come in for Esteban Ocon as Alpine fights for P6 in the constructors championship. I don't have high hopes for the Australian driver, but he will be the ultimate differential if he comes away with positive points this weekend.
BREAKING: Jack Doohan will make his F1 debut for Alpine in Abu Dhabi, replacing Esteban Ocon#F1 pic.twitter.com/JfLuX38AST
— Formula 1 (@F1) December 2, 2024
Predictions
Qualifying
- Lando Norris, McLaren
- Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
- Oscar Piastri, McLaren
Grand Prix
- Lando Norris, McLaren
- Max Verstappen, Red Bull
- Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
