What are the strategy options for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix marks the final round of the 2024 F1 campaign as the curtain is drawn on the sport's longest-ever season.

Max Verstappen has already sealed the drivers' championship, but all is still to play for in the constructors' standings.

McLaren is in the best position to take the trophy after locking out the front row, while Charles Leclerc will start at the back for of the grid for Ferrari.

But what race strategies are in play for the race ahead - the last event of the season?

One-stop the way to go

A one-stop strategy is the most likely route to the chequered flag, a change from the two-stop option last year.

This is due to degradation being lower than expected, as well as the track temperature being cooler compared to 12 months ago.

Pirelli has projected that starting on the medium compound is the best choice for the teams for the opening stint.

The pit window when then stretch from lap 20 to 26 with a switch to the hard compound until the chequered flag.

An alternate two-stop strategy featuring an early pit stop and two following stints on the hard tyre is also a possibility - but this is less likely due to the time loss in the pit lane.

Teams could also opt to go deep into the race on a set of hard tyres before switching to the mediums, as they could benefit from a mid-race safety car.

While a one-stop strategy remains the most likely possibility, Pirelli Head of F1 Mario Isola detailed the factors that could lead to a two-stop race.

“There are three factors that could open the door to a two-stop race,” he said. 

“Possibly greater degradation than we have seen so far, a neutralisation [of the race], or more plausible, drivers who find themselves in traffic deciding to pit early to try and exploit the clear advantage of having a new set of tyres for the first few laps after the stop. 

“This could trigger a chain reaction, leading teams to switch to a two-stop strategy.”