Zak Brown CEO Appointment

Lore & Background

The race decided both the Drivers' and Constructors' championships. Max Verstappen clinched his maiden Drivers' title while Mercedes-AMG Petronas won a record-breaking eighth consecutive Constructors' championship. Hamilton had led most of the race, but Verstappen overtook him on the final lap after a controversial safety car restart. Race director Michael Masi's handling of the safety car sparked debate. Mercedes protested the result, which was dismissed; they did not appeal. The FIA conducted an inquiry, confirming the results, and concluded the rules were ambiguous. Masi was replaced by two new people.

In Their Own Story

The fluorescent lights of the McLaren Technology Centre hummed with a different energy than in years past. Zak Brown stood before the glass-walled strategy room, watching the telemetry from the latest wind tunnel session scroll across the screens. It was late evening, but the focus in Woking had shifted; the uncertainty that had lingered for so long was being replaced by a sharp, commercial clarity. He turned to his team, not with the weight of a distant owner, but as a hands-on leader who knew exactly what it took to win. 'We aren't just building cars anymore,' he said, his voice steady against the backdrop of the British countryside outside. 'We are rebuilding an empire, one lap at a time.'

Reader's Guide

The race was originally scheduled for 5 December but was rescheduled to 12 December after the postponement of the Australian Grand Prix. The Yas Marina Circuit underwent a layout change to increase top speeds and overtaking opportunities. Pirelli provided the C3, C4, and C5 tyre compounds. The Grand Prix marked the final race for Kimi Räikkönen, who retired after a two-decade career. It was also the final race for Honda as a works power unit supplier until the 2026 Australian Grand Prix.

Did You Know?

• The race was the 13th edition of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
• Verstappen and Hamilton entered the race level on 369.5 points.
• The race was contested over 58 laps.
• Nikita Mazepin tested positive for COVID-19 after qualifying and withdrew; he was not replaced.
• This was the final race for Antonio Giovinazzi and Nikita Mazepin in Formula One as of 2025.