Who will take the crown on Sunday?

History-chasing Lewis Hamilton tops Abu Dhabi Grand Prix practice

Abu Dhabi: We are now just days away from the climax of one of the most fascinating and thrilling Formula One seasons of all time. Will it be Lewis Hamilton or Max Verstappen? They head into the final Formula One weekend level on points at the top of the driver standings, with the Dutch racer set to win if neither finish on account of more race wins this season.

Lewis Hamilton’s quest to make Formula One history at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix began brightly with the Mercedes driver topping the timesheets after Friday’s opening practice. Hamilton, chasing an unprecedented eighth world title, goes into Sunday’s season-closing race level on points with Max Verstappen. And it was the Dutch title contender who was quickest out of the blocks at the Yas Marina circuit, taking the honours in the morning session. Hamilton, placed third, turned the tables under floodlights in second practice with a 1min 23.691 lap to get his weekend off to an encouraging start.

The big hope for viewers though is that both go the distance in another thrilling race, with this year’s title fight being one of the most thrilling in the sport’s history. The race on Sunday should prove to be one the most memorable on-track occasions in recent history.