Abu Dhabi: the stakes of the F1 Grand Prix that closes the season

Even though Mercedes and Lewis Hamilton have already won both championships, the season-ending Grand Prix remains very important for several drivers and teams.

As the 2015 season draws to a close, the championship standings are virtually settled. Mercedes secured a second consecutive victory in Sochi, while Lewis Hamilton clinched his third world title on the Austin street circuit. In Mexico, the battle for second place between Sebastian Vettel and Nico Rosberg was decided on the Rodríguez brothers' home circuit, with Rosberg taking the points while Vettel, unusually error-prone for a four-time champion, let his chance slip away. The remaining points in Brazil now only serve to formalize the other Mercedes driver's second place. With the title battles over, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina, which closes the season, promises little suspense for the championship but plenty of spectacle on the track. Freed from pressure, the drivers can race without restraint, provided their teams allow them to.

Further down the standings, the battle for fourth place is intensifying. Only one point separates Finland's Kimi Raikkönen and Valtteri Bottas, and recent tensions (quarrels in Russia and Mexico) have turned their rivalry into a personal battle involving the pride of Ferrari and Williams.

Just behind them, the battle for the symbolic tenth place could be the most intense of the weekend. Nico Hülkenberg, fresh from victory at Le Mans, Max Verstappen, the revelation of the season, and Romain Grosjean, keen to end his tenure at Lotus on a high note, are separated by just three points, promising a close contest.

Within Red Bull, an ego battle is looming, with Daniil Kvyat holding a ten-point lead over Daniel Ricciardo. The Australian, who has had a difficult season, will be desperate to finish on a high note, and ahead of his teammate. All these subplots ensure that the final race, despite its lack of championship significance, will be worth every penny before the F1 calendar goes into hibernation for the summer.