F1 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix LIVE: Qualifying begin time, timetable and FP2 results as Hamilton chooses post

The bemusement resounded throughout the paddock. It is hard not to overemphasise the ruthless response the competitive Formula One circus– whether it be media, ex-drivers or followers– had in September 2012 when, to the awe of everybody, Lewis Hamilton determined to leave McLaren for Mercedes.

Even the dreams of his papa and supervisor, Anthony, were neglected. As Jeremy Clarkson placed it so tactlessly on a 2012 episode of Top Gear: “Is that not a bit like moving from Manchester United to West Ham?” And sorry Hammers followers– it was not a praise.

Yet 6 globe champions, 12 years and 84 grand prix success later on, Hamilton’s vibrant dive right into unchartered waters was his best-ever choice.

Sergio Perez looks readied to get on the escape from Formula One and Red Bull after a sizzling 2024 project.

Various records after Sunday’s race in Qatar state that Red Bull are readied to go on from the 34-year-old after the period ending in Abu Dhabi this weekend break, in spite of an agreement which lasts till completion of the 2025 F1 period.

But that is the top prospect to change Perez at Red Bull? Will Christian Horner look within the group’s larger community or more afield on the grid?

The Independent has a look at the prospects to change Perez at Red Bull:

“Max is a very straight-shooter. He tells the truth exactly what he feels,” Horner claimed at the group principals’ interview.

“I believe 100 per cent what he said to be accurate.

“A lot has been made of it yesterday, it is pantomime season, we are getting ready for Christmas so maybe there is an element of end-of-term blues there.

“I don’t think it will have any effect on the grand prix itself.”

Verstappen, 27, and sweetheart Piquet, 35, have actually introduced that they are anticipating their very first youngster with each other!

They captioned a joint blog post on Instagram: “Mini Verstappen-Piquet on the way.

“We couldn’t be happier with our little miracle.”

3. Red Bull Racing – 581 factors

5. Aston Martin – 92 factors

F1 has actually authorized a brand-new five-year handle the Chinese Grand Prix, with the race remaining on the schedule till 2030.

The Shanghai International Circuit just went back to the timetable this year after a five-year lack because of the Covid pandemic.

It was additionally the very first year the race had a home motorist, with Zhou Guanyu showing up before 200,000 followers. However, the Sauber motorist will not be getting involved following year after he was gone down for 2025.

Nonetheless, the race– which initially showed up in 2004– has actually authorized an expansion, with the sporting activity’s fanbase in China reaching over 150 million individuals.

The very first hint that something mind-blowing was in the homicide was the full Mercedes friendliness device, with hardly an area to stand. The 2nd hint was the Netflix microphone, floating notably over an incensed George Russell, as he released explosive after explosive.

And the 3rd? Toto Wolff, going into phase left, 2 mins right into a remarkable 14-minute media session for the written continue Thursday, at the season-concluding race of the F1 period in Abu Dhabi.

1. Max Verstappen – 429 factors ( champ)

2. Lando Norris – 349 factors

3. Charles Leclerc – 341 factors

4. Oscar Piastri – 291 factors

5. Carlos Sainz – 272 factors

6. George Russell – 235 factors

7. Lewis Hamilton – 211 factors

8. Sergio Perez – 152 factors

9. Fernando Alonso – 68 factors

10. Nico Hulkenberg – 37 factors

11. Pierre Gasly – 36 factors

12. Yuki Tsunoda – 30 factors

13. Lance Stroll – 24 factors

14. Esteban Ocon – 23 factors

15. Kevin Magnussen – 16 factors

16. Alex Albon – 12 factors

17. Daniel Ricciardo – 12 factors

18. Ollie Bearman – 7 factors

19. Franco Colapinto – 5 factors

20. Zhou Guanyu – 4 factors

21. Liam Lawson – 4 factors

22. Valtteri Bottas – 0 factors

23. Logan Sargeant – 0 factors

The Red Bull Team Principal struck out at the Mercedes motorist for being “hysterical” at the Qatar Grand Prix, with Verstappen struck with a one-place downgrading on the grid for obstructing the Briton throughout certifying.

And Wolff was left incensed by the statement and objection of his motorist, countering on a fiery Thursday at Yas Marina Circuit to identify his coworker “a yapping little terrier”.

But Horner has actually chuckled off the remark and asserted he prefer to be a terrier than a wolf.