Abu Dhabi Grand Prix tips, predictions and best bets: Charles Leclerc the value pick to take another P1

The dreaded 'dead rubber' term is out in full force but, let's face it, the whole campaign has felt like that due to the irresistible force that is Red Bull Racing.

Even though the two World Championship titles have long been sewn up, there is still plenty to race for at the Yas Marina circuit this weekend.

 

Constructors' Championship without Red Bull - Mercedes

With Red Bull's complete and utter domination this season, it can be easy to forget there is a very competitive pack behind them as Mercedes, Ferrari, McLaren, Aston Martin and even Alpine threaten to be best of the rest on any given race weekend.

For the P2 spot in the Constructor's Championship, though, it's down to just Mercedes and Ferrari with a mere four points separating the two F1 giants.

A 16-point swing in Ferrari's favour at Las Vegas means the momentum is with them heading into this final battle, but this traditional race track should play much more to Mercedes' strengths and less to Ferrari's come race day.

 

Charles Leclerc - pole position

But, before the big race, there is the small matter of deciding the grid on Saturday.

As the F1 2023 season has developed, the emerging pattern has been for Red Bull to focus more on setting their car up for a pleasant Sunday stroll to victory and less about nailing down pole position.

This is where Ferrari's main strength has emerged, their one-lap pace a real potent weapon which their nearby rivals don't seem to have an answer for.

After another pole position last time out in Las Vegas, that is three in his last four outings for Charles Leclerc and he is the value pick to take another P1 here.

 

Aston Martin - double points finish

This year's early-season surprise package somehow managed to convert their upgrades into downgrades over the course of a topsy-turvy campaign.

They are starting to find their groove again at just the right time and it will give the team a huge amount of confidence that a new development path has been found to bring more success next season.

Lance Stroll and Fernando Alonso have combined for double points finishes in their last two races and are a good price to extend that run to three.

Only 11 points separate them from pinching P4 in the Constructors' Championship away from McLaren, so there is a real incentive for Aston Martin to perform, too.

 

Predictions

Constructors' Championship without Red Bull - Mercedes

Charles Leclerc - pole position

Aston Martin - double points finish