As the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix draws ever closer, I had the chance to chat with the legendary Johnny Herbert—a three-time F1 race winner and all-round good guy.
He gave us his thoughts on what could be an edge-of-your-seat season finale. With Max Verstappen and Lando Norris potentially going head-to-head, Johnny breaks down the track, the drivers, and why Abu Dhabi holds a special place in the world of racing.
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Johnny, Abu Dhabi has delivered some incredible finales over the years, including the unforgettable 2021 race. Do you think we’re in for another dramatic showdown this year?
“Absolutely! This is what every fan wants—a championship that goes right down to the final race. Abu Dhabi has a way of delivering that, and there’s definitely a buzz around this year’s race.
The circuit always provides something special, and with the kind of season we’re having, I wouldn’t be surprised if it’s Max versus Lando battling it out right up to the last lap.”
You mention Max and Lando potentially fighting it out for the title—who does the circuit favor in terms of their cars and driving styles?
“Right now, McLaren’s consistency stands out. No matter which track they go to, their car just works. And that’s going to be crucial in Abu Dhabi, especially with the variety of corners – long-radius ones, tight corners, and the importance of traction.
That’s an area where McLaren is really strong.”, while Red Bull’s been a bit shaky. “Their car has been a bit edgy, especially in some of the corners, which is something Max has complained about with Red Bull.
An edgy car can be quick, but you need to trust that the back end will grip at the right time. Red Bull seems to be struggling with that right now, but Lando and McLaren still seem to have more to give.”
It would be incredible to see Lando win his first championship in Abu Dhabi. What else makes the weekend so special?
“Abu Dhabi’s got this unique energy. The setting is just phenomenal. You’ve got the marina with all the boats, the drag strip, and of course, the circuit itself, which is one of the most visually stunning in the world. It’s not just the race; there’s so much to do.
You can take a short trip to Dubai, enjoy the amazing hotels, and the food options are incredible. There’s something for everyone, really.”
And for the fans attending the race, what’s the atmosphere like at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?
“It’s electric! The fan zone is massive, with plenty of room to see all the F1 setups. You’ve also got these big-name music acts that perform over the weekend, which adds to the whole experience.
Abu Dhabi just feels like a celebration. Even the drivers enjoy it—great weather, a top-notch facility, and it’s just a fun place to be.
Ferrari World is also a must-see, especially for younger fans. I always recommend the F1 car ride—it’s like being on the track, going from 0 to 60 in two seconds!”
You’ve driven the Abu Dhabi circuit yourself—what’s it like from a driver’s perspective?
“Oh, it’s a brilliant track to drive. I’ve been around it in a few different cars, including a two-seater Formula 1 car, and it gives you an amazing sense of speed.
The layout’s great, but during a race, it can be frustrating because some corners are tricky to overtake on. Still, you can make moves if you’re bold, which is what we want to see—drivers really working for those positions, especially when the championship is on the line.”
So, if it comes down to Max and Lando in Abu Dhabi, what should fans expect?
“Expect fireworks! This isn’t going to be a race where DRS lets them just zoom past each other. They’ll have to fight for every inch.
Whoever wins in Abu Dhabi will have earned it, no question. Max and Lando will have to bring their best, and I think we’re in for a thriller of a finale.”
Looking ahead, it’s shaping up to be a race weekend you won’t want to miss in Abu Dhabi. It’s got everything—a stunning setting for a championship battle, whether you’re backing Max, cheering for Lando, or just here for the adrenaline rush of elite racing.
And if you want to be right in the heart of it all, Vision4Sport has exclusive packages that offer a complete and bespoke service for the World’s must-see sporting events, ensuring your dream trip can be tailor-made from start to finish.