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WEEKEND WARM-UP: The drivers get set for an electrifying season finale in Abu Dhabi
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It’s the final round of the 2021 season and it's all on the line in Abu Dhabi as the drivers return to a new-look Yas Marina Circuit.
All the drivers were keen to try out the new track layout, with changes designed to increase overtaking on Sunday. But that wasn’t the only thing they were focused on, with the main topic of conversation at Yas Marina ahead of the season finale being, of course, the thrilling championship battle.
Tied on points going into Round 22, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen are both aiming for history this Sunday. Hamilton is going for a record-breaking eighth drivers’ championship, having tied Michael Schumacher’s seven last season, while Verstappen is aiming to become the first Dutchman to grab the title.
Away from the fight at the front, it's the final time former world champion Kimi Raikkonen will grace the F1 grid, with the veteran stepping away after the best part of two decades in the sport. It's also the last race for his team mate Antonio Giovinazzi, although the Italian has said he hopes to return to F1 in the future.
And last but not least, it's also the final outing for George Russell as a Williams driver, as he heads to Mercedes next season, with Valtteri Bottas set to take Raikkonen’s seat at Alfa Romeo.
Join Will Buxton, Sam Collins and Lawrence Barretto as they guide you through the biggest stories on Thursday in Abu Dhabi.
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