2014 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Championship standings

Hamilton enters on 334 points, Rosberg on 317 — a gap of 17 points with 50 available under the double-points system. The Drivers’ Championship will be decided here.

Previous race

Rosberg won in Brazil — his fifth victory of the season and eighth of his career — to reduce Hamilton’s lead by seven points. Hamilton finished second despite a spin at the Descida do Lago corner. Massa finished third on home soil. Mercedes set their 11th one-two finish of the season, breaking the record held jointly by McLaren and Ferrari for team victories in a single season with 15.

Between-race developments

Marussia have not entered the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. A last-minute bid to save the team failed before the Brazilian Grand Prix, and the team has closed down — leaving the grid at 20 cars. Caterham launched a crowdfunding campaign to fund their return after entering administration, and the campaign raised enough for the team to contest the finale. Regular driver Marcus Ericsson has terminated his Caterham contract ahead of his confirmed move to Sauber in 2015; in his place, Will Stevens — a former Marussia test driver — makes his Formula One debut. This is also the final race for Jean-Éric Vergne, Adrian Sutil, and Kamui Kobayashi.

Championship permutations

For Rosberg to win the championship, Wikipedia states he would need to win the race with Hamilton finishing third or lower; finish second with Hamilton sixth or lower; finish third with Hamilton seventh or lower; finish fourth with Hamilton ninth or lower; or finish fifth with Hamilton tenth or lower. If none of those results occur, the title goes to Hamilton.

Milestones

Double points are awarded for the first time in Formula One history — 50 for a race win rather than 25. The rule was introduced to keep the championship alive to the final round; it applies only at this race. Under a normal points system, Hamilton would have needed only sixth place to guarantee the title.

Tyre choices

For the first time since Pirelli became the sole tyre supplier, the yellow-banded soft compound is the prime tyre and the red-banded super-soft is the option. All previous Abu Dhabi Grands Prix under Pirelli used the medium and soft selection.

Practice

Hamilton led the first and second practice sessions. Rosberg topped the third and final practice session.