Formula 1 – Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: Live leaderboard and lap-by-lap updates as Max Verstappen to raise world drivers’ championship after clashes with George Russell as Ferrari and McLaren battle for Constructors’ championship

It’s almost time for the national anthem – the final one of the year.

Race control have already been called into action. Kevin Magnussen has been noted for a practice start infringement.

That one is being looked at.

Christian Horner was just questioned by Martin Brundle on what lies ahead for Sergio Perez and he was evasive, to say the least.

‘Let’s hope he finishes the season on a high note then we will sit down this week and reflect on the season,’ Horner said.

Perez is under contract for 2025 but all the signs are pointing to a brutal summer sacking. Liam Lawson is the favourite to take his place.

A deflated Toto Wolff apologised to Lewis Hamilton for “letting him down” after his shock Q1 exit in Abu Dhabi yesterday.

‘An idiotic mistake of not going earlier, inexcusable, inexcusable,’ Wolff said.

‘I have really been so down about what has happened and it maybe summarises the last races we’ve had with him, but this is the worst part of it because it was just idiotic.

‘Our most valuable racing driver ever, the most valuable racing driver of this sport gets out in Q1 because we make a mistake and that doesn’t ruin all the legacy we have with him but I can only say sorry to him.’

Nico Rosberg, speaking on Sky Sports…

He’s a genius. He’s the greatest of all-time. A natural talent like there’s never been before in F1.

It was amazing to be a rival there for some years and share together the success of the Mercedes team, and to watch them go on and continue that success.

A very emotional day for everyone. An amazing story.

He was the ultimate benchmark, incredibly difficult to beat and I knew that since I was 13 years old.

All the better for me that I managed to beat him as my rival. But it’s lovely to see how emotional he is.

The pit lane is now open and there are drivers out on track.

Plenty of cameras were focused on that Mercedes garage as Lewis Hamilton pulled out for the very last time.

It would be an absolute miracle if he finished on the podium but hey, stranger things have happened in this sport. Let’s see.

Lewis Hamilton ahead of his final Mercedes race…

It’s a beautiful day. It’s a very strange feeling. I can’t really put in words what I’m feeling at the moment.

But I think ultimately just a lot of gratitude, and hoping that today I can do something from all the way back where I am.

I look at it as a positive that I qualified 18th but I’m actually starting 16th, so there’s one positive.

I’m ultimately trying to just be really present, looking around just trying to remember it and take it all in.

At least SIX drivers will wave goodbye to their teams this afternoon.

Here’s who is either leaving or is on the move…

Mercedes – Lewis Hamilton

Ferrari – Carlos Sainz

Haas – Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen

Sauber – Valtteri Bottas and Zhou Guanyu

There are also strong indications that this could be the final race for Sergio Perez at Red Bull after his torrid season.

Max Verstappen is sitting pretty on 429 points in the drivers’ championship so all eyes are instead on who will take second place.

Lando Norris is just eight points ahead of Charles Leclerc but does start on pole. His rival will start 19th and requires a truly special drive.

Oscar Piastri is fourth on 291 points after a brilliant season and Carlos Sainz, who bids farewell to Ferrari today, is 19 points behind him.

We could see some big movement on that table come this evening…

McLaren have a 21-point lead over Ferrari.

A victory for either Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri would wrap up the constructors’ title for the Papaya, regardless of Ferrari’s results today.

Remember, Norris is in pole while Piastri lines up P2.

They will also take home the trophy…

• If both McLarens finish in the top four
• If one of Norris or Piastri wins the race
• If they are not outscored by Ferrari by 24 points or more

Red Bull, meanwhile, are destined to finish a disappointing third.

Now that’s how you make an entrance.

Lewis Hamilton walked into the paddock clad in a bright red suit.

A nod to his soon-to-be employers, perhaps?

Hello, one and all. Thanks for joining us for the final race of this pulsating Formula 1 season. Let’s hope we bow out with a bang today.

The drivers’ championship has already been wrapped up, of course, but the constructors’ trophy is very much still up for grabs.

McLaren are the big favourites, especially after their front-row lockout with Lando Norris on pole, but you can’t rule Ferrari out.

This will be an emotional one with several drivers bidding farewell.

The biggest tear-jerker will be Lewis Hamilton’s goodbye. This is his very last outing for Mercedes before he officially joins Ferrari.

It’s lights out at the Yas Marina circuit at 1pm BST.