Why you SHOULD watch the 2023 Abu Dhabi GP!

Red Bull Racing may have wrapped up a 1-2 finish in the Drivers' Championship for the first time in their Formula 1 history, but the battle for 4th in the Drivers' Championship is still wide open.

Carlos Sainz, Fernando Alonso, Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc are separated by 12 points for P4. Similarly, the battle for the 2nd in the Constructors' Championship is tightly contested. Ferrari and Mercedes are separated by 4 points only.

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And finally, if the minnows interest you (which we are sure they do!), then only 16 points separated Williams in 7th to Haas in 10th. Yes, they might not be heavy points scorers, but this is Formula 1 and in Abu Dhabi, you never know what result is thrown up! 

In this week's episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal preview the 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. It's the 15th race in Abu Dhabi - time flies! But what do you remember the most about the Yas Marina Circuit? The pit lane tunnel exit? Or the fact that it is one of the most-expensive circuits to be ever built...with little to offer for on-track entertainment?

Also, if you're worried that Formula 1 will be over and done with after Abu Dhabi, worry not. The start to the 2024 Formula 1 Season will only be 97 days after the chequered flag drops in Abu Dhabi. 

A Red Bull Racing-Max Verstappen win might be certain. And if so, Red Bull Racing will only be 1 win behind Williams' all-time race wins in Formula 1 (114). Also, Verstappen will overtake Sebastian Vettel to be the third-highest race winner in the sport - after Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher. Of course, he will extend his current record of most wins in a season to 19!

But will Sergio Perez lose a spot on the final lap of a race for the third consecutive time? Can Ferrari finally perform in Abu Dhabi? They have scored neither a pole position nor a race win here ever! If they score pole on Saturday, it will be their 250th pole overall. Who will win the qualifying head-to-head in Mercedes? George Russell and Lewis Hamilton are both tied 11-11. 

Haven't we already given you all the reasons for tuning in to this weekend's 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and of course, this episode, too?

(Season 2023, Episode 63)

Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah

Image courtesy: Mercedes

* **Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Preview:**

- The 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix marks the 15th race in Abu Dhabi, highlighting the circuit's long history in Formula 1.

- Despite its reputation as an expensive circuit, Abu Dhabi is often remembered for its unique features like the pit lane tunnel exit.

- This year's race will be the final one before a short break, with the 2024 Formula 1 season starting just 97 days after the checkered flag drops in Abu Dhabi.

* **Max Verstappen's Dominance:**

- Max Verstappen is poised to clinch another victory in Abu Dhabi, potentially securing a record-breaking 19 wins in a single season.

- A win in Abu Dhabi would also see Red Bull Racing come one win shy of equaling Williams' all-time Formula 1 race wins (114).

- Verstappen would surpass Sebastian Vettel as the third-highest race winner in the sport, trailing only Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher.

* **Other Contests and Battles:**

- Sergio Perez aims to avoid losing a position on the final lap of a race for the third consecutive time.

- Ferrari seeks to break their winless streak in Abu Dhabi, having never taken pole position or won a race at the circuit.

- The qualifying head-to-head battle between George Russell and Lewis Hamilton is tied at 11-11, adding excitement to Saturday's qualifying session.

* **Midfield and Backmarker Battles:**

- The battle for fourth place in the Drivers' Championship is still open, with Carlos Sainz, Fernando Alonso, Lando Norris, and Charles Leclerc separated by just 12 points.

- Similarly, the fight for second place in the Constructors' Championship is tight, with Ferrari and Mercedes separated by only 4 points.

- The battle for seventh place in the Constructors' Championship is also close, with Williams, Alpha Tauri, Alfa Romeo, and Haas separated by 16 points.

* **Upcoming Events:**

- The Inside Line F1 podcast will continue to provide coverage and analysis during the winter break, featuring interviews with drivers, team principals, and other experts.

- The 2024 Formula 1 season will begin on March 2, 2024, with a record-breaking 24 races scheduled.

- The Inside Line F1 podcast team will be hosting a special "F1 Pit Stop" event in Mumbai on November 26th, featuring a car social, pre-race and post-race interactions, and a special post-race chat. **2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Preview:**

- The battle for 4th in the Drivers' Championship and 2nd in the Constructors' Championship remains intense, with several teams and drivers in close contention.

- The Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi is known for its unique pit lane tunnel exit and is considered one of the most expensive circuits ever built, but it offers limited on-track entertainment.

- The 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix marks the 15th race held at the Yas Marina Circuit.

- Red Bull Racing is poised to win the race, potentially securing their 114th race win in Formula 1, just one behind Williams' all-time record.

- Max Verstappen is set to surpass Sebastian Vettel as the third-highest race winner in Formula 1, behind Lewis Hamilton and Michael Schumacher.

- Sergio Perez's recent misfortune of losing positions on the final lap of races may continue in Abu Dhabi.

- Ferrari faces a challenge in performing well at the Yas Marina Circuit, having never achieved a pole position or race win there.

- The qualifying head-to-head between George Russell and Lewis Hamilton in Mercedes is tied at 11-11.

- McLaren and Aston Martin are expected to engage in an intriguing battle, with Lance Stroll performing exceptionally well in recent races.

- The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend will mark the farewell of Alpha Tauri, Alpha Romeo, and Franz Tost from the Formula 1 paddock.

- The podcast hosts discuss their predictions for the race, including a potential first-lap collision and Ferrari securing P2 in the Constructors' Championship.

- The Inside Line F1 podcast will continue with special episodes during the off-season, including interviews with Franz Tost, Otmar Szafnauer, and Daryl Goodrich, focusing on various aspects of Formula 1.