F1 tips: Lewis Hamilton in box seat to take record-breaking eighth world title in Abu Dhabi

Henry ValantineHenry Valantine11 December 2021
Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen

A vintage Formula 1 season will have a final flourish as this season's World Champion is decided in Abu Dhabi. Will Lewis Hamilton claim an eighth world title?

A vintage Formula 1 season will have a final flourish as this season's World Champion is decided in Abu Dhabi.

Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton go into the last race level on points in the Drivers' Championship standings, which is the first time in 47 years the two title contenders head into the final round on an even footing.

Verstappen officially leads the championship by virtue of having nine wins compared to Hamilton's eight, but the situation is simple: whoever finishes ahead will become World Champion.
Should neither driver finish inside the points, though, Red Bull driver Verstappen will win his first title on countback.

Planet Sport Picks for Abu Dhabi GP

Because Mercedes have the momentum and, seemingly, the better of the car pace heading to Abu Dhabi, Hamilton is 4/7 to take the win on Sunday.
Verstappen is out at 2/1 to take the top step of the podium and 7/4 to win the World Championship which, given the fact he holds the official advantage in the title race, could be a key piece of leverage for him heading into the weekend.
Red Bull team boss Christian Horner has said he wants Verstappen to win the title in a clean manner, but should the Dutchman have a slower car, he will have more reason to continue where he left off in Saudi Arabia and go into combat with his rival.

But if Mercedes are able to keep up the form they have shown and outpace Verstappen and Red Bull, Hamilton will surely be in the box seat to take a record-breaking eighth World Championship title.

Should the title rivals do as they did in Saudi Arabia and collide, but with added consequences that end their races, Valtteri Bottas is next in the odds to win his final race at Mercedes at 12/1.

(All text odds correct at time of publication, the odds in the pretty blue boxes are bang up-to-date)

Other value bets for Abu Dhabi GP

Verstappen had been on a stunning lap in Saudi Arabia before his final-corner crash in qualifying, and he is available at 2/1 to be the fastest qualifier on Saturday.
Unless the two title challengers are in the lower reaches of the top 10, it's likely to be a tight finish between the two of them at the end of the race.
You can find odds of 5/2 for the winning margin to be under five seconds, and the same price is available on the margin being between five and 10 seconds inclusive.

When will the action take place?

(All times GMT)

Practice 1: Friday 10 December: 9.30-10.30am

Practice 2: Friday 10 December: 1-2pm

Practice 3: Saturday 11 December: 10-11am

Qualifying: Saturday 11 December - 1pm

Race: Sunday 12 December - 1pm

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How do I watch for Abu Dhabi GP?

The race is broadcast live on Sky Sports F1 in the UK, and the build-up begins at 11.30am on Sunday.
Extended highlights are shown later that night on Channel 4 from 5.30pm.

Make sure you follow the action live and get all the latest reaction and news on PlanetF1.

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