Abu Dhabi hosts the final Formula One Grand Prix of the 2018 season this weekend, and as the curtain falls on another majestic season for Lewis Hamilton, and when the grid fills up for the first race of the 2019 season, it will be without Fernando Alonso, as he calls time on his F1 career that stretches back to 2001.
It is sure to be an emotional occasion for plenty of teams, with Daniel Ricciardo ending his time at Red Bull before he joins Renault, and our F1 expert guides you through the best bets from the upcoming Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
More Mercedes Magic
Mercedes have won the last four editions of this race, with Valtteri Bottas leading home a Mercedes 1-2 in 2017.
Unsurprisingly, with the way he has driven this season, Lewis Hamilton is evens to qualify on pole, and 9/4 to win the race. His Mercedes teammate Bottas is 7/2 to qualify at the front of the grid, and 4/1 to cross the line first.
It is hard to look past the Mercedes team this year and, deservedly, they lead the constructor standings for the year, having consistently planned and executed at a high level every race.
Ferrari chances
It has been a tough season for Sebastian Vettel, and he has a made a few uncharacteristic mistakes borne out of frustration.
It would be a relief for both him and the Ferrari team if they could end the season on a high, before welcoming in new driver Charles Leclerc in 2019. Vettel is 5/4 to qualify on pole, and 6/4 to win in Abu Dhabi.
Teammate Kimi Raikkonen will leave Ferrari at the end of the season to make way for Leclerc, and I doubt many fans of the sport would begrudge him one last sign-off win. He is 10/1 to win the race.
Progress for Red Bull
Max Verstappen was involved in another controversial incident at the last Grand Prix, one which he feels cost him a victory in Brazil. The Dutch driver is clearly in an exciting vein of form and has made significant progress in his maturity this year, which has led in part to the uptick in form.
He is 5/1 to win in Abu Dhabi, but the real story for Red Bull this weekend is Ricciardo. He has been involved with the Red Bull set up throughout his entire F1 career, from the Toro Rosso team to being a key part in Red Bull’s dominance in recent years. He leaves to join Renault next season, and is 6/4 to finish his Red Bull career on the podium.
One last hurrah?
For all the fond stories doing the rounds on the paddock as drivers depart teams, Hamilton, who in reality has been the man to catch all season, will still probably dominate this race. I think the 9/4 on offer to win is really good value, as is Max Verstappen to be on the podium at 5/6.
However, for the romantic, Fernando Alonso is 150/1 to finish in the top three on his last F1 drive and, who knows, maybe the Spaniard could leave with a flourish to end a colourful, incredible career.
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