Abu Dhabi GP 2024 preview, free F1 betting tips & driver odds
Fresh off a dominant Max Verstappen victory in Qatar, the Formula 1 season heads to its grand finale in Abu Dhabi this weekend.
McLaren faces a closer battle than predicted after Lando Norris was handed a 10-second stop-and-go penalty for failing to lift under double-waved yellow flags in Qatar.
The penalty relegated Norris to 10th place, leaving McLaren with only 17 points in Qatar, while Ferrari capitalised with a stellar 26-point haul.
Ferrari has now closed the gap to just 21 points heading into the final race.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend begins with Free Practice 1 at 8:30pm AEDT on Friday, December 6, and culminates in the race at 12am AEDT on Monday, December 9.
F1 Abu Dhabi GP racing preview
Following Qatar, the odds for Verstappen are in at $3.25, with Norris following closely at $3.75.
Meanwhile, Mercedes delivered a mixed performance, showing strong pace until switching to hard tires.
If George Russell had held onto first place at the start of the race, the battle with Verstappen and Norris could have been a fascinating contest.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton, however, seemed increasingly frustrated, voicing his displeasure with Mercedes’ struggles during the race and even urging his team to “park the car” after receiving a pit-lane speeding penalty.
As the season finale approaches, punters have plenty to consider.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix offers not just a dramatic conclusion to the Constructors’ Championship but also a final opportunity to capitalise on the shifting dynamics of the F1 grid.
2024 Abu Dhabi GP odds
With Max Verstappen maintaining a strong position and McLaren continuing to push forward, Ferrari and Mercedes remain in the hunt, while other drivers face long odds. Here are the latest odds with the top Australian bookmakers.
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – +225
- Lando Norris (McLaren) – +275
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – +350
- Carlos Sainz Jr (Ferrari) – +800
- George Russell (Mercedes) – +800
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – +800
- Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) – +1200
- Pierre Gasly (Alpine) – +25000
- Sergio Perez (Red Bull) – +25000
- Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) – +50000
More odds provided at Neds
2024 Abu Dhabi GP betting tips
Liam Lawson (RB Honda RBPT) – points finish
It is the last race of the season, and with VCARB yet to announce the official driver lineup for 2025, Liam Lawson will be looking to do whatever he can to secure the position full-time. Neds is offering +300 for the New Zealander to secure a points finish.
Liam Lawson points finish
Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) – podium finish
In his last race for Mercedes before departing to Ferrari next year, Lewis Hamilton will do everything possible to secure a strong finish at the team he called home for 12 years. The Brit is a +350 chance with Picklebet.
Lewis Hamilton podium finish
Lando Norris (McLaren) – win
Although struggling at times when it matters, Lando Norris will need a strong finish in Abu Dhabi to make sure McLaren secures the Constructors’ Championship ahead of Ferrari. He had very good pace in Qatar and was on track to fight Verstappen for the win until his penalty, and he has every chance of going all the way again. Norris is a +275 shot with PlayUp.
