F1 GP Abu Dhabi, Yas Marina Circuit prediction and betting tip 20-11-2022
Formula 1 moves from Brazil to Abu Dhabi this weekend for the Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit. It is the final race of the season. Although the drivers’ and constructors’ titles have already been decided, the stakes are still high for some drivers. The most exciting battle still being fought right now is that for second place in the drivers’ standings. Who will finish below Max Verstappen, will it be Sergio Pérez, or Charles Leclerc after all?
For the last race of this season, we have another Formula 1 preview for you. We look at the results of the previous race and go through who the bookmakers think will be the biggest contenders in Abu Dhabi. At the end of the article you will find our betting tip!
F1 GP Abu Dhabi, Yas Marina Circuit – News
The Yas Marina Circuit is home to the Abu Dhabi GP. Thirteen years ago, the circuit opened in 2009. It is located on Yas Island in the United Arab Emirates and has hosted the annual Grand Prix since 2009.
The circuit consists of 16 corners and several straights. The track runs past the marina and through the Yas Hotel Abu Dhabi. It is one of the most expensive circuits ever. There are several overtaking opportunities on the circuit, especially on the straight between turns five and six. In 2021, ahead of that year’s race, the track has been made slightly shorter. That only adds to the excitement.
Last year was the race that won Max Verstappen the world championship. Meanwhile, he also has his second world title in his pocket. The race takes place Sunday 20 November at 14:00 Dutch time.
Retrospective Grand Prix Brazil, Autódromo José Carlos Pace
Last weekend was dominated by Mercedes’ resurgence. George Russell took his first-ever Grand Prix victory. The Briton managed a podium finish seven times before, but crossed the line first himself this time. His teammate Lewis Hamilton finished second, despite a collision with Max Verstappen. Mercedes showed it now has the fastest cars and could fire another warning shot in Abu Dhabi ahead of next season.
The podium was filled with Carlos Sainz in third position. He too was followed by his teammate; Charles Leclerc finished fourth. He is now shared second with Sergio Pérez in the standings.
With Fernando Alonso in fifth place, Red Bull did not feature in the top five. World champion Verstappen finished sixth, but made headlines for the wrong reasons. The Dutchman refused to pass teammate Sergio Pérez in his race to finish second in the drivers’ championship. Pérez, who is therefore now tied with Charles Leclerc (290 points), finished seventh and is aiming for second place in the standings. The race in Abu Dhabi will decide who finishes second.
Prediction F1 GP Abu Dhabi, Yas Marina Circuit – Who are the favourites?
While the 2021 Abu Dhabi GP was all about the exciting title fight between Verstappen and Hamilton, the Dutchman has long since secured his second world title. Red Bull Racing has also sealed the constructors’ title. Nevertheless, there is still plenty to race for. Pérez and Leclerc have equal points in the battle for P2 in the world championship.
In addition, Mercedes has closed the gap with Ferrari for second place in the constructors’ standings. The difference is 19 points. Will the Silver Arrows manage to repeat their Brazilian success?
We take a look at the favourites for the final race of the 2022 season. According to the bookmakers, who are the top contenders at the Yas Marina Circuit?
Max Verstappen
It is no longer a surprise that Verstappen is seen as the biggest contender. Fairly early in the season, the Dutchman proved unbeatable.
Last year’s unforgettable race in Abu Dhabi was between Verstappen and Hamilton. The two drivers were at the top of the standings with an equal number of points prior to the 2021 race. It was make or break for both men. For a long time Hamilton was leading, but thanks to Sergio Pérez, the gap between Lewis and Max was narrowing. The last lap was driven after the safety car went off the track. It was the decisive race lap. Verstappen passed Hamilton and went home with the victory! He crowned himself the first Dutchman to become world champion.
Now, a year later, Max Verstappen is the bookies’ favourite. Can he record another win, or will we see him give his position to teammate Pérez?
Lewis HamiltonLewis Hamilton has the record number of wins at the Yas Marina Circuit with five victories. In 2011, 2014, 2016, 2018 and 2019, the Briton manag
ed to take the race to his name. This is offset by last year’s tough loss, in which Hamilton missed out on the championship on the very last lap.
- Best Odds Available
- Wide range of Betting Markets
- Super fast deposits & withdrawals
- Live streaming service
- Best Odds Available
- Wide range of Betting Markets
- Super fast deposits & withdrawals
- Live streaming service
The Englishman had a rough start, but has been on form recently and drove an excellent race in Brazil last weekend. He took the podium in second place, just behind his teammate George Russell. Currently, the Briton is in fifth position in the standings. We expect him to continue his good results and see him as a contender for a spot on the podium.
George Russell
George Russell recorded his first ever Formula 1 victory at the Brazilian circuit. The Mercedes driver thus stood on the podium for the eighth time this season.
Especially the early part of 2022, Russell performed consistently and strongly, the second half slightly less, until last week. With 25 points behind Charles Leclerc and Sergio Pérez, Russell is unlikely to finish third in the standings. Still, we hope he goes into this final race with the same fighting spirit he showed in Brazil.
Charles Leclerc
By finishing in fourth position at the track in Brazil, Leclerc gained enough points to be level with Sergio Pérez. The Monegasque will do everything possible to finish ahead of the Mexican. However strong he started the season, the last few races have not gone as desired.
The best result Charles Leclerc achieved in Abu Dhabi was third in 2019. In the following years, Leclerc did not manage to match that result. He finished 13th in 2020 and last year he finished 10th. We don’t expect him to give up easily in this battle for P2 in the standings, but consider it unlikely he will make the podium.
Sergio Pérez
Pérez finished seventh in Brazil last weekend. Red Bull’s cars were no match for those of Mercedes and Ferrari. For the Mexican, this is the last chance to claim second place in the standings. Last year, Pérez drove a good race and helped Verstappen to the world championship.
We expect Pérez to go all out to claim that second position. Last weekend, Pérez was not helped to an extra position by Verstappen. Meanwhile, the Dutchman has indicated he does want to help his teammate in Abu Dhabi, so Pérez finishes above Leclerc. We think Pérez has a good chance of finishing ahead of his Ferrari rival.
Carlos Sainz Jr.
In Brazil, the Spaniard once again managed a podium finish. Sainz crossed the finish line third after Russell and Hamilton. He is sixth in the championship. The difference with Hamilton (P5) is only six points, it is possible for Sainz to still finish fifth. A year ago, Sainz managed to finish third in Abu Dhabi. Still, we think the aforementioned drivers have a better chance of a podium finish this year.
Betting on F1 GP Abu Dhabi, Yas Marina Circuit: Tip & Quote
The battle for the second spot is an exciting one. According to the bookmakers, it could still go either way. It is therefore difficult to predict who will end up in second place.
In the standings, there are not many shifts possible. Hamilton is unlikely to pass team-mate Russell. It is possible that Sainz could take over Hamilton’s position. Still, we don’t see that happening any time soon. With last weekend’s strong performance, with both Mercedes cars ending up on the podium, we think Hamilton can stay ahead of Sainz. Indeed, we join the bookies in seeing Lewis Hamilton as a contender for victory. Over the past three races, the Briton has consistently finished second. Our betting tip is: Lewis Hamilton finishes in the top three. For Bet365, the odds on this bet are 1.50.
- Tip: Lewis Hamilton finishes in top three
- Quote: 1.50 at bookmaker Bet365 (Situation: 15-11-2022, 18:30)
- Risk assessment: Low
- Recommended stake: 7/10