P1 with Matt and Tommy Abu Dhabi GP Driver Ratings
Dec 8, 2025
The hosts dive into controversial driver ratings for the Abu Dhabi finale, highlighting thrilling performances and strategic blunders. They discuss Gabrielle Bortoletto's struggles and Nico Hülkenberg's impressive recovery. Attention turns to Lance Stroll's daring maneuvers and Fernando Alonso's flawless execution. The duo critiques Yuki Tsunoda's errors and celebrates Verstappen's dominant victory. Final assessments of Hamilton and Leclerc wrap up the discussion, alongside praise for McLaren's impressive season. Tune in for their top picks and entertaining banter!
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Episode notes
TV Focus Skews Race Perception
- The Abu Dhabi broadcast focused on the championship protagonists, which limited coverage of midfield battles and overtakes.
- Matt and Tom say replays revealed more action than live TV showed, affecting viewers' perception of the race.
Qualifying Pace Can Be Misleading
- A strong qualifying lap doesn't guarantee race points when race pace and car behavior differ across stints.
- Matt uses Gabriele Bortoleto's P7 start to P11 finish as an example of qualifying-race pace mismatch.
Hülkenberg's Two‑Stop Comeback
- Nico Hülkenberg recovered from 18th to 9th using a two-stop strategy and late-race charge.
- Tom and Matt credit strategy and teammate cooperation (Bortoleto letting him through) for his points finish.