F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weather forecast - expectations changed ahead of season finale

Matthew Hobkinson
Sunday 26 November 2023 13:43 - Updated: 13:43

Formula 1 has arrived at the season finale this Sunday as the 20 drivers take to the track one last time in 2023 for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

In a dominating campaign, Max Verstappen will once again be starting on pole position after going fastest in qualifying as he targets an incredible 19th win of the season.

Although unable to settle any title ambitions, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has plenty of subplots to keep tabs on, most notably the mere four-point lead that Mercedes hold over Ferrari in the constructors' championship.

READ MORE: FIA take action for F1 qualifying after Verstappen incident

With teams eager to get their strategy right and end the season on a high-note, the weather will once again play a pivotal part in those decisions.

Just how might the weather affect the drivers? As the weekend reaches its climax, here is the forecast...

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weather forecast

Sunday, November 26

The main event on Sunday will see the temperature remain largely the same as the rest of the weekend, with 27 degrees Celsius expected ahead of lights out.

The earlier concern of rain that threatened on Saturday seems to have passed and the only other factor that could plague drivers will be north-westerly winds that caused some issues during qualifying. However, this is expected to reduce from around 9mph during a calm evening.

The wind was so strong during the earlier driver parade that McLaren's Oscar Piastri expressed concerns his hat was going to blow off, though he expected that to calm before lights out.

Tyre management will once again be a crucial factor as the teams and drivers take to the track one final time in Abu Dhabi this weekend.

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