#F1 Etihad Airways #AbuDhabiGP 2025 Preview.
Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2024 Race Start, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. Image credit to Mark Thompson/Getty Images. 2025 Abu Dhabi GP Preview, F1 Abu Dhabi GP Preview, 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Preview.
2025 Abu Dhabi GP Preview – After Max Verstappen took advantage of an early safety car and scored a comfortable Qatar GP victory to propel himself back into the title fight to be 12 points behind Championship leader Lando Norris and four points clear of third-placed Oscar Piastri and sets up a three-way battle to become the 2025 World Driver’s Champion, the final round of the 2025 FIA Formula One World Championship returns to 2025 FIA Formula One World Championship returns to the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates for the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025. This will be the seventeenth edition of the Abu Dhabi GP and the seventeenth time that the event has been run as a World Championship round since the inaugural season in 1950. This also ends the final triple header of the season with the Las Vegas and Qatar Grands Prix.
2025 Abu Dhabi GP Preview – A look at the Yas Marina Circuit
The Yas Marina Circuit is a permanent racing circuit located on the stunning Yas Island, 30 minutes away from the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Abu Dhabi. The circuit was designed by German designer Hermann Tilke. It is the second purposely built circuit for Formula One in the Middle East with the first being in Bahrain. The circuit twists through Yas Island off the Abu Dhabi coastline passing by the marina and through the iconic five-star, 499 room Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi Hotel designed by New York -based architects Hani Rashid and Lise Anne Couture of Asymptote Architecture, and winds its way through sand dunes, with several long straights and tight corners. The uniquely scenic waterfront marina-based development includes water and theme parks as well as residential areas, hotels, and beaches. The track has five grandstand areas (Main Grandstand, West Grandstand, North Grandstand, South Grandstand and Marina Grandstand (aka Support)) and part of the pit lane exit runs underneath the circuit. It also features a team building behind the pits, Media Centre, Dragster Track, VIP Tower, and the Ferrari World Theme Park. The circuit also features a powerful lighting system which ensures the transition from day to night racing action.
The cars hit top speeds of 320 kph and average speeds of 195 kph. As well as the waterside marina area, there are high-speed sections (including the longest straight on the F1 calendar), tight corners for overtaking, and sector three which resembles part of a twisty-style street circuit. Overall, its diverse elements come together to create one of the most demanding and longest circuits in the world.
The Yas Marina Circuit underwent redevelopment to shorten the track and the expected lap time in order to increase top speeds and overtaking opportunities. The turn five/six chicane was removed and the hairpin at turn seven was widened. Turns 11–14 have been replaced by one banked curve and the radius of turns 17–20 were increased, to allow the cars to carry more speed, changes to turn 20 allow cars to travel flat out through the corner.
The reconfigured Yas Marina Circuit is 5.281km (3.281 miles) in length with 16 corners and runs in an anti-clockwise direction.
Race distance is 306.183km (190.253 miles) in length with 58 laps in total.
Max Verstappen holds the fastest lap record at the Yas Marina Circuit with a 1:26.103 set at the 2021 event in his Red Bull Racing-Honda RB16B racer.
Lewis Hamilton holds the record for most Abu Dhabi Grand Prix victories with five victories to his name.
Red Bull Racing are the most successful constructors at the Yas Marina Circuit with seven victories.
2025 Abu Dhabi GP Preview – Onboard Pole Lap of the Yas Marina Circuit
Here is the onboard pole lap of the Yas Marina Circuit set at last year’s event by Lando Norris in his McLaren Formula 1 Team-Mercedes MCL38 racer with the Briton posting a 1:22.595. You can watch the video right here at the link: Lando Norris’ Pole Lap | 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix | Pirelli
2025 Abu Dhabi GP Preview – The Last Five Winners
2024: Lando Norris, McLaren Racing. 2023: Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing. 2022: Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing. 2021: Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing. 2020: Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing.
2025 Abu Dhabi GP Preview – Tyres
Pirelli will be bringing to the Yas Marina Circuit, the softest tyres in its range, the white side-walled C3 Hards, the yellow-branded C4 P-Zero Medium compounds and the C5 red-marked P-Zero Soft tyres along with the green-branded Intermediate and blue-marked Full Wet tyre compounds in case of rain.
Drivers will have two sets of the hards, three sets of the mediums and eight sets of the softs.
2025 Abu Dhabi GP Preview – DRS Zones
As in 2024, there will be two DRS Zones at the Yas Marina Circuit. The first detection point will be 40 metres after turn seven with the first activation zone 390 metres after turn seven. The second detection point will be 50 metres after turn nine with the second activation zone at turn 10.
2025 Abu Dhabi GP Preview – Pitlane Speeds
Pitlane speed limits will be 80km/h during practice, qualifying and the race.
ICYMI: Verstappen outfoxes McLaren to clinch Qatar GP victory
Red Bull’s Max Verstappen took advantage of an early safety car to clinch a crucial victory at the Qatar GP and remain in the championship fight as the sport heads to a final three-way showdown for the title in Abu Dhabi next weekend. McLaren’s Oscar Piastri finished second as Williams’ Carlos Sainz completed the top three. Championship leader Lando Norris came home fourth.
The World Driver’s Championship picture now sees Verstappen in second place 12 points behind Norris with Piastri a further 16 points behind his McLaren team-mate.
Norris (408) – Verstappen (396) – Piastri (392).
This was Verstappen’s 70th-career victory as the Dutchman continued his resurgence towards his potential fifth world championship crown.
When the 57-lap Qatar GP began, pole-sitter Piastri got a good start as Verstappen jumped Norris to move up into second place as the Dutchman covered the McLaren into turn four to make the move stick,
Behind them, fourth-placed starter George Russell had a poor start as the Mercedes driver dropped to seventh.
The beginning of lap two saw Piastri over 1.2 seconds clear of Verstappen with Norris holding third, Antonelli fourth, Sainz fifth, Alonso sixth, Russell seventh, Hadjar eighth, Gasly ninth as Hulkenberg completed the top ten.
Hamilton was up to 14th – he was 13th but got picked off by RB’s Liam Lawson. So, his C3 softer tyres have worked well. Hulkenberg was 10th as the other C3 starter, as he picked off Leclerc who drops out of the points.
The third lap – Piastri was leading by 1.5 seconds already, Norris was likewise 1.5 seconds behind Verstappen. Those three were already thinking about tyre wear out there, the dirty air will do the tyres no favours at all, with the mandatory limit to 25 laps.
Hulkenberg was the man to watch; he was trying to pick off Gasly in the battle for ninth place.
The fourth lap – Piastri would be clear of the undercut threat from behind – he already led by over two seconds from Verstappen.
The C2 medium-shod runners all would want to get close to that 25-lap mark tonight, as do the duo on hards (Albon & Colapinto). Those on softs (Hulkenberg and Hamilton) could be pitting earlier, out of sequence.
Lap five – Antonelli was holding fourth and is aiming for a podium – as well he might, knowing Norris ahead cannot afford to make an error and thus might be a bit cautious.
The Italian was within DRS range of Norris at this stage in the battle for third place.
The sixth lap – Verstappen had been beset with issues all weekend long – now the Dutchman was complaining about the balance of his RB21 racer, as the front left tyre started to take a beating.
Meanwhile, Gasly was given a black and white flag for rejoining the track unsafely, that was for an incident a few tours ago where he ran wide fighting Hulkenberg.
The seventh lap – Piastri was now 2.6 seconds ahead of Verstappen at this stage, as he began to manage his rubber a little bit. Norris was 1.7 seconds behind the Dutchman, and Antonelli had dropped back out of DRS range as he cooled his tyres.
But the yellows are out after Hulkenberg had crashed and it deployed the safety car.
Hulkenberg and Gasly made contact, as the former was parked up and the latter was running last. It was the seventh tour so it was decision time. Pit under the Safety Car, and you would need to do two stints of 25 laps on the next two sets of tyres.
And Verstappen took the opportunity to pit…. As did everyone else bar the McLaren drivers and Ocon.
Lap eight – The question was have McLaren made a genius move or hit an own goal? McLaren have both cars out as everyone bar Ocon pitted behind – Ocon had just received a penalty for a false start.
And as Piastri caught the Safety Car, Verstappen had already caught back up to the front trio of the two McLarens and Ocon.
Replays of the crash showed Hulkenberg eye up the overtake, the Sauber driver went to sweep around the outside and as they both came round the corner side-by-side, there was the smallest tangle.
That spun Hulkenberg off with a puncture, and damaged Gasly’s A525 entry.
Lap nine – This race had taken a real turn. The rest of the pack would likely pit on Lap 32 and then go to the end. Ocon can go to lap 33 as he did pit the second time around.
McLaren have the “flexibility” according to Norris’ Race Engineer William Joseph to run a longer or shorter stint.
The tenth lap – Verstappen was told to expect McLaren to push hard when the race gets back to green. He was 1.2 seconds behind Norris, and had a pit stop on them.
As long as the tyres last, Verstappen was sitting perfect.
When the race resumed on lap 11, Piastri caught team-mate Norris off guard and made a charge for it being over a second clear with Verstappen a further 1.3 behind Norris.
The 12th tour – Piastri lead by 1.3 seconds to team-mate Norris, who was 1.9 seconds in-front of Verstappen. Sainz got ahead of Antonelli in the pits, Mercedes holding their driver briefly due to pit-lane traffic.
Alonso was sixth ahead of Hadjar and Russell, with Leclerc and Bearman in the points after Hulkenberg and Gasly’s tangle.
The 13th lap – Piastri was leading by 1.6 seconds at this stage of proceedings, as Norris continued to drop Verstappen – who was managing his tyres, knowing they have to last until the 32nd tour.
The McLarens were flying here, as the pairing attempted to build that gap to regain some of the time lost by not pitting under the Safety Car.
Lap 14 – The situation was Piastri leading from Norris by 1.9 seconds, with Verstappen now 3.8 seconds back.
The 15th tour – Race leader Piastri was told his pace was good, whilst Verstappen was told his tyres were okay and he could start pushing again.
Verstappen was 6.3 seconds behind Piastri and 4.1 seconds behind Norris.
McLaren were aiming to build a gap to drop into quite rapidly, as they have the speed out there at this stage and were running in fresh air.
Lap 16 – McLaren were lapping in the 1:25 range, two seconds faster than the majority of the field, Verstappen was in the 1:26’s, as was Sainz. So, McLaren could actually build a gap on most of the field – but not on the Dutchman.
At this stage, Verstappen was sitting very well. But the reigning world champion might not be potentially on his third stint, which would either be a risky C3 soft stint or a slower but safer harder tyre run.
The 17th lap – If McLaren opt pit both cars on the 25th lap, they would be double stacking – which would hamper Norris. Instead, they might pit Piastri first on lap 24 and Norris on lap 25, to prevent that happening.
Lap 18 – Piastri was leading by 3.2 seconds, Norris was 4.72 seconds in-front of Verstappen. On the radio, both were being encouraged to push. But they would not build that 26 second gap on this initial stint, so their strategy was going to unwind later on in the last stint where on fresh tyres, they might have to overtake Verstappen on track.
The 20th tour saw Piastri’s lead over team-mate Norris at 3.441 seconds with Verstappen a further 4.500 seconds off in third, Sainz fourth, Antonelli fifth, Alonso sixth, Hadjar seventh, Russell eighth, Leclerc ninth as Bearman completed the top ten runners.
Verstappen like the majority needed to make his tyres last 25 laps. But the team were clearly happy with his tyre wear as he has been told to push harder, and his times were not matching the McLaren pairing out-front.
The Dutchman was 4.5 seconds behind Norris… Who would be concerned about the DRS train behind Alonso. McLaren need to clear that when they make their stops.
Alonso was 21.5 seconds behind Piastri at this stage of proceedings.
The 21st lap – Verstappen matched the leading McLaren’s for pace. Those three were over a second a lap quicker than Sainz who was in an impressive brilliant fourth place.
McLaren would drop both cars behind Verstappen, but the big question was how slow Alonso is going to go, and whether they can clear the Spaniard who had the train of cars behind him.
The 22nd tour – McLaren were going close to that 25-lap mark on these C2 mediums and gave them more flexibility on their strategy for their second and third stints. But they would need to pit soon.
Lap 23 – Piastri was 24.5 seconds in-front of Alonso. He was not far off clearing that DRS train. Norris needed to push on to ensure he also drops into fresh air.
But when they stop, Verstappen would take the lead on merit.
Lap 24 – Piastri pitted from the lead for his fresh set of the C2 medium compounds – the Australian had a 3.1 second stop and emerged in fifth place behind Antonelli as Norris was told to box on his next tour.
The 25th lap – Norris pitted for his fresh set of the C2 seconds and with a brilliant 2.2 second stop from the McLaren pit-crew, came out crucially just in-front of Alonso.
Meanwhile, Verstappen lead the race from Sainz and Antonelli.
Lap 27 – At this stage – Verstappen was leading the Grand Prix, as McLaren tell Norris they do want to do 25 laps on this set of mediums.
Verstappen on paper would score 25 points here, Piastri 12 and Norris 10.
This would mean the Championship would go down to the season-closing Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – and Verstappen would be right back in the fight.
Meanwhile, Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll was hit with a five-second-timed-penalty for speeding in the pit-lane.
The 28th tour – Lap 32 is when there would next be a flurry of pit-lane activity. That is when everyone except for the McLaren duo, Ocon and Stroll would need to pit.
Piastri was rapidly catching back up to Antonelli, he was 2.4 seconds behind and in a few tours, the Mercedes man would be pitting anyway.
Lap 29 – Verstappen was 14.8 seconds ahead of Sainz, and he was 17.7 seconds ahead of Piastri and 22 seconds clear of Norris. And the Dutchman needs to pit again, but so do all of those behind him.
The 30th lap – Verstappen was flying in clean air. Behind the Red Bull driver, Piastri passed the Mercedes down into the opening corner on the inside. Aggressive, fair and Antonelli did not fight that.
The Australian was up into third.
Lap 32 – At the end of this tour, everyone who pitted behind the Safety Car should be pitting.
Verstappen would emerge behind the McLaren duo based on the gaps.
Lap 33 – Verstappen pitted from the lead for his fresh set of the C2 harder compounds along with the majority of the field.
Piastri returned back into the lead as Verstappen came out in third and three seconds behind Norris.
Russell had a tight exit from his stop as the pit-lane was predictability chaotic. The Briton was released into the path of Lawson.
The 34th tour – Piastri lead from Norris, 4.3 seconds between the two McLaren’s. Verstappen was 3.3 seconds behind Norris, but the Dutchman does not have to pit again.
Sainz was fourth in-front of Antonelli and Ocon, who would be pitting momentarily.
Then came Alonso, Hadjar, Russell and Leclerc.
Lap 35 – Bearman was noted for being released in an unsafe condition – The Haas driver was in the points behind Leclerc and then he was down in P18.
Stroll was out of sequence having pitted in between the rest, so he would need to pit again.
And Ocon pitted for his second mandatory pit-stop.
The 36th lap – Piastri and Norris need to pit again. The pairing could so quite late, but Piastri will have to stop one lap before his team-mate if they take these tyres to the maximum 25th-tour limit.
When they pit, Verstappen likely would take the lead… And they’ll have to catch and pass the Dutchman on track.
Meanwhile, replays showed Bearman ran over something in the pits, it looked like the rear jack was still attached when the lights for the Briton went green.
The 37th tour – Piastri was leading by six seconds over team-mate Norris, as he asked what the best-case scenario was. Verstappen was just two seconds behind Norris who has had an off-track excursion out there. He asks the team to check the car, which could have suffered damage after he ran wide.
Lap 38 – The Safety Car window was open for McLaren here – but if not for that, they would need to keep an eye on Antonelli and Sainz unless they drop even more places with strategy calls.
Replays showed Norris did run wide, but he missed the gravel so his MCL39 racer could be okay.
The 39th lap Piastri was now de facto in-front of Sainz and Antonelli as he had a big enough gap to pit and come back out in-front of the duo. Norris was not, so he needed to push on.
Verstappen was the man sitting well, assuming he can get his harder tyres to the end. His mediums lasted 25 laps, so the hard tyre should do so comfortably.
Lap 40 – Norris was only 22 seconds in-front of Sainz, and 26 seconds in-front of Antonelli so he needed to build a bigger gap here to ensure when he pits, he does clear the pairing.
A Safety Car would not help McLaren at this stage of proceedings – Verstappen was in their window so even if they pitted behind one, they would emerge behind the Red Bull. Albeit on fresher rubber.
The 41st tour – Piastri was leading the race, but he was set to lose out here as instead of eating seven points into Norris’ lead, he might only take out three points.
Verstappen though, could see a ten-point swing go his way, or more if Norris could not clear Sainz.
Lap 43 – Race leader Piastri stopped for his fresh set of the C2 white-branded harder compound and emerged in third place behind Verstappen.
Norris was leading from Verstappen, who was right on his tail. Piastri did come out comfortably ahead of Sainz and had a solid 1.8 second stop.
Behind them, Bearman was the second retiree of the race.
The 44th tour – Norris stopped from the lead to put on his fresh set of hards and the championship leader came out behind both Sainz and Antonelli in fifth place.
Lap 45 – The order was Verstappen leading the race from Piastri, Sainz, Antonelli and Norris. And none of them have to pit again.
The 46th tour – As it stands – Verstappen would score 25 points, Piastri 18, and Norris just 10 points.
So, Norris would lead the Championship by 10 points from Verstappen, and 14 from Piastri.
Norris needed to get past Sainz and Antonelli unless he wants a very nervy final round in Abu Dhabi.
Behind them, Alonso had suffered a spun and kept his car on the track.
The 47th tour – Verstappen held a 15 second lead over Piastri – so surely enough buffer to head for the victory.
Sainz was 6.8 seconds behind the McLaren, Antonelli was 2.6 seconds behind the Williams and Norris is a further three seconds off.
The MCL39 entries were on the fresher rubber.
Lap 48 – Piastri was given the hurry up and told he needed to be a second in-front of Verstappen per lap. “Yeah, nice,” said the Australian.
Piastri was leading this race earlier, but McLaren’s decision not to pit behind the Safety Car was looking more and more the wrong move.
Norris behind in fifth is flying and charging towards fourth-placed Antonelli.
The 49th tour – Piastri just could eat into Verstappen’s lead fast enough. He looks on course for second place, but this was all about how high Norris could climb. He was just 1.3 seconds behind Antonelli, and a further 27 seconds behind Sainz.
Lap 50 – Norris did not have much joy overtaking Antonelli in the earlier stage of proceedings, but now the championship leader was hunting, he was hurting and his tyres were 12 tours younger. Both were on the C2’s, which would not have seen too much degradation.
The 51st tour – Hadjar remained ‘best of the rest’ in sixth place after Alonso’s spin, with Russell seventh and the Aston Martin driver recovered to eighth. Leclerc and Lawson were also in the points.
A bit further up – Norris was in DRS range on Antonelli.
Lap 52 – Third-placed Sainz radioed to say he thinks something had fallen off his FW47 entry – and he had understeer as a result. This would be the third time the Spaniard had suffered car damage this weekend.
The Williams driver was 2.5 seconds ahead of Antonelli, who had his hands full defending from Norris.
The 53rd lap – Verstappen was leading – Piastri had given up the ghost and looked set for second place. But could Norris get past Antonelli and could Sainz hold on to the final podium place was the question.
Norris was struggling in the dirty air, and getting Antonelli would give him crucially two more points.
Lap 54 – The Dutchman could have gotten a bit lucky with the Safety Car – but McLaren had the option to pit one or both cars at that stage but opted not to.
The Dutchman was leading by 11.6 seconds from Piastri, as Antonelli started to close in on an third-placed Sainz, with Norris still unable to get past the Mercedes.
The 55th tour – Sainz was just 1.4 seconds in-front of Antonelli. If Antonelli gets DRS, that would help him cover Norris, but also it meant dirty air for both. This was a battle for third, with the first two places seemingly locked in.
The penultimate lap – Hadjar suffered a puncture! He was running sixth, and he was dropping like a stone. This promoted Tsunoda into the points.
He was off the racing line so there were no yellow flags as Antonelli ran wide and Norris jumped into fourth place.
Verstappen crossed the line to clinch the Qatar GP victory 7.995 seconds clear of Piastri as Sainz completed the top three.
Norris came home fourth and crucially grabbed an extra two extra points in his defence on holding top spot heading into the season-closing Abu Dhabi GP next week.
The Mercedes pairing of Antonelli and Russell followed in fifth and sixth respectively as Aston Martin’s Alonso took seventh.
Ferrari’s Leclerc reached the chequered flag in eighth whilst Lawson and Tsunoda completed the top ten.
2025 Abu Dhabi GP – The Situation
For the first time in 15 years, Formula 1 has three drivers in contention for the World Driver’s Championship at its season finale with Lando Norris, Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri battling for the title at this weekend’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Norris holds a 12-point advantage over Verstappen and a 16-point lead over McLaren team-mate Piastri, so a podium will be enough for the Briton to become world champion, but things are never straightforward in the sport.
Verstappen and Piastri need to win the Abu Dhabi GP, whilst hoping Norris suffers misfortune makes an error if they are to claim the title.
Norris will become champion if…
| Lando Norris | Max Verstappen | Oscar Piastri |
| 1st | Does not matter | Does not matter |
| 2nd | Does not matter | Does not matter |
| 3rd | Does not matter | Does not matter |
| 4th | 2nd or lower | Does not matter |
| 5th | 2nd or lower | Does not matter |
| 6th | 2nd or lower | 2nd or lower |
| 7th | 2nd or lower | 2nd or lower |
| 8th | 3rd or lower | 2nd or lower |
| 9th | 4th or lower | 2nd or lower |
| 10th | 4th or lower | 3rd or lower |
| 11th or lower | 4th or lower | 3rd or lower |
Verstappen will become champion if…
| Max Verstappen | Lando Norris | Oscar Piastri |
| 1st | 4th or lower | Does not matter |
| 2nd | 8th or lower | 3rd or lower |
| 3rd | 9th or lower | 2nd or lower |
Piastri will become champion if…
| Oscar Piastri | Lando Norris | Max Verstappen |
| 1st | 6th or lower | Does not matter |
| 2nd | 10th or lower | 4th or lower |
Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula 1 Team are 33 points clear of Oracle Red Bull Racing in the World Constructors’ Championship standings in the fight for second-placed spot behind McLaren.
Abu Dhabi is also the last race for the current cars before the sweeping new rules and regulations are introduced in 2026, which could shake up the pecking order.
Norris returns to Abu Dhabi on top of the World Driver’s Championship, sitting on top with 408 points and a 12-point lead over Verstappen who is second on 396 points whilst Piastri is a further 16 behind the Briton in third on 392 points.
McLaren Formula 1 Team comes to the Yas Marina Circuit with the World Constructor’s Championship wrapped up, sitting on 800 points and a massive 341-point advantage over nearest rivals Mercedes AMG Petronas Formula 1 Team who are second on 459 points whilst Oracle Red Bull Racing are third and a further 374 behind the Woking based-outfit on 426 points.
In opening practice, six teams will field alternate drivers who have not raced in two Grands Prix, as required by the Formula One regulations:
- Jak Crawford for Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team in place of Lance Stroll.
- Cian Shields for Aston Martin Aramco F1 Team in place of Fernando Alonso.
- Paul Aron for BWT Alpine F1 Team in place of Pierre Gasly.
- Ayumu Iwasa for Visa Cash App Racing Bulls Formula 1 Team in place of Liam Lawson.
- Ryo Hirakawa for MoneyGram Haas F1 Team in place of Esteban Ocon.
- Luke Browning for Atlassian Williams Racing in place of Alexander Albon.
- Arvid Lindblad for Oracle Red Bull Racing in place of Yuki Tsunoda.
2025 Abu Dhabi GP Preview – Aston Martin Undergo Technical Reshuffle – Newey becomes Team Principal
Newey Aston Team Principal – On November 26 Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team announced changes to the leadership structure ahead of the 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship campaign with Andy Cowell taking on the new role of Chief Strategy Officer whilst Adrian Newey will take on the Team Principal role.
Cowell and Newey have agreed to divide their responsibilities in order to focus on their own strengths and expertise, ensuring efficiency in the organisation.
Cowell takes on the role of Chief Strategy Officer to use his experience to help optimise the technical alliance between the Silverstone based-outfit, Honda, Aramco and Valvoline.
Newey takes on the role as Team Principal from the 2026 season onwards and will be guiding the technical side, including trackside operations of the car.
The 2026 campaign sees a new raft of rules and regulations with a new generation of cars and an additional team (Cadillac F1 Team). To take advantage of this opportunity, Aston Martin Aramco Formula One Team is announcing changes to it’s leadership structure.
These changes are designed to ensure the Silverstone based-squad are well prepared to play to its strengths next season.
Cowell has led the team over the past 14 months, as CEO and Team Principal to make much-needed structural changes as they prepare to become a full works team in anticipation for the new regulations in 2026.
Chief Strategy Officer Andy Cowell explained: “Having implemented much needed structural changes as we transition to a full works team and set the foundations for Adrian and the wider organisation, it is an appropriate time for me to take a different role as Chief Strategy Officer. In this role, I will help to optimise the technical partnership between the Team, Honda, Aramco and Valvoline and to ensure the seamless integration of the Team’s new PU, fuel and chassis.” Cowell concluded, credit to Aston Martin for the quote.
Cowell after successfully laying the foundations, will be reporting to Executive Chairman Lawrence Stroll.
Given his unparalleled experience working with the power-trains, Cowell will help optimise the partnerships with the team, Honda, Aramco and Valvoline to ensure a superb integration between engine, fuel and chassis.
Newey as Managing Technical Partner, will be guiding the technical team, along with trackside operations of the car and be the Team Principal.
Newey commented: “Over the last nine months, I have seen great individual talent within our Team. I’m looking forward to taking on this additional role as we put ourselves in the best possible position to compete in 2026, where we will face an entirely new position with Aston Martin now a works team combined with the considerable challenge faced by the new regulations. Andy’s new role, focusing on the integration of the new PU with our three key partners, will be pivotal in this journey.” Newey concluded, Credit to Aston Martin for the quote.
Executive Chairman Lawrence Stroll added: “Andy Cowell has been a great leader this year. He’s focussed on building a world-class team and getting them to work well together, as well as fostering a culture that puts the race car back at the heart of what we do. This leadership change is a mutual decision we have reached in the interest of the Team. We all look forward to continuing working with him in his new capacity as Chief Strategy Officer. I’m also pleased that Adrian Newey will step into the Team Principal role, which will enable him to make full use of his creative and technical expertise. Both these changes will ensure the Team is best placed to play to their collective strengths.” Stroll concluded. Credit to Aston Martin for the quote.
2025 Abu Dhabi GP Preview – Red Bull and Racing Bulls Announce 2026 Driver Lineups
Red Bull 2026 Lineups – Oracle Red Bull Racing and Visa Cash App Racing Bulls Formula 1 Team have announced their driver pairings for the 2026 FIA Formula One World Championship season with Isack Hadjar taking the place of Yuki Tsunoda to partner Max Verstappen at Red Bull whilst Arvid Lindblad teams up with Liam Lawson at Racing Bulls.
Red Bull and Racing Bulls were the final two teams to have vacant seats available for the 2026 campaign, though Hadjar had been longly expected to replace Tsunoda at Red Bull alongside four-time World Champion Verstappen after an impressive debut season.
Hadjar had scored points at ten races this season including a maiden podium at the Dutch Grand Prix.
Red Bull youngster Lindblad became a candidate for promotion to the sister team with Racing Bulls after some solid performances in Formula 2 and impressing when piloting the RB21 in Free Practice 1 outings at the British and Mexican Grands Prix.
This left Tsunoda and Lawson to battle it out for the remaining seats at RB, with the latter securing a second full campaign with the Faenza/Milton Keynes based-outfit.
Whilst Tsunoda loses his racing seat, he will remain as reserve driver for both Red Bull and Racing Bulls in the 2026 season.
Oracle Red Bull Racing CEO and Team Principal Laurent Mekies explained: “Yuki has raced in Red Bull colours for seven years now and I have had the pleasure of working with him at both Red Bull teams. Through his five seasons so far in Formula One, Yuki has matured into a complete racer, good over a single lap on Saturday and capable of exceptional starts and excellent race craft on Sunday. Everyone in the sport would agree it is impossible not to like Yuki, his personality is infectious, and he has become a very special part of the Red Bull family. On behalf of everyone at Red Bull, I thank him for what he has contributed so far and we know he will provide invaluable support to the 2026 projects moving forwards. As for Isack, in his first F1 season, he has displayed great maturity and proved to be a quick learner. Most importantly, he has demonstrated the raw speed that is the number one requirement in this sport. We believe Isack can thrive alongside Max and produce the magic on track! 2026 will be a huge challenge for the Team and for Red Bull Ford Powertrains, these are exciting times, and I am looking forward to seeing what we can do together.” Mekies concluded, credit to Red Bull for the quote.
Hadjar added: “I’m so grateful to Oracle Red Bull Racing for giving me the opportunity and trust to race at the highest level of Formula One. After all the hard work I have put in since joining the Junior Team, it’s such a great reward. I’ve had many ups and downs throughout my career, and they kept believing and pushing me. This year with Visa Cash App Racing Bulls has been absolutely amazing, I’ve learnt a lot and secured a maiden podium. I feel I’m much better as a racing driver and a person, due to the Team ‘s support and preparation. I feel ready to go to Oracle Red Bull Racing and I am happy and proud they feel the same. It’s an awesome move, to work with the best and learn from Max is something I can’t wait for. “Hadjar concluded, credit to Red Bull for the quote.
Visa Cash App Racing Bulls Formula 1 Team Principal Alan Permane commented: “Firstly, a huge congratulations to Isack. He has delivered a truly outstanding season, demonstrating exceptional race-craft and consistency well beyond his experience. He has fully earned his step up to Red Bull Racing and we wish him nothing but the best as he takes on this exciting new challenge in his career – we are proud to have been part of the journey. Liam has shown impressive performance and professionalism throughout this year, he has excelled when conditions have been at their hardest and we look forward to building on this in 2026, while Arvid’s rapid progression marks him as one of the standout young talents in the sport. Together, they form a strong and dynamic pairing, one that embodies the ambition and youthful spirit of VCARB as we enter a transformative new era for Formula One.” Permane concluded, credit to Racing Bulls for the quote.
Lindblad said: “I’d like to thank everyone at VCARB for the opportunity. Since I started this journey at five years old, it was always my goal to be in Formula One so it’s a proud moment to take this step. I’m extremely grateful to the Red Bull Junior Programme and my personal team for their guidance, mentorship and belief; none of this would have been possible without their support. 2026 will be a big challenge and I know there’s a lot to learn, but I’m ready to work closely with the team and rise to it. I can’t wait to get started; it’s going to be an exciting year!” Lindblad, concluded. Credit to Racing Bulls for the quote.
Lawson added: “I’m really looking forward to racing with VCARB in 2026. It’s an opportunity I’ll continue to be grateful for as we enter a year of change in F1. I’m ready to get to work with the team as we prepare for the challenging season ahead. It’s going to be and exciting year and I can’t wait to kick it off with my first pre-season with the team.” Lawson concluded, credit to Racing Bulls for the quote.
The 2026 Formula 1 grid is all locked in, with Cadillac entering the sport to make it 11 teams amongst the new raft of rules and regulations with new chassis and engines.
Before that, we face the final race of the 2025 FIA Formula One World Championship season at the campaign-closing Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025 this weekend with a three-way battle to decide who will become the 2025 FIA Formula 1 World Driver’s Champion. Who will it be?
Click here for the 2025 Formula 1 World Driver’s (Top 10) and Constructors Championship Standings.
The Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2025 race weekend begins Friday December 5 with Free Practice 1 and 2, followed by Free Practice 3 and Qualifying Saturday December 6 and the 58 lap Race Sunday December 7.
