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Abu Dhabi (dpa) - Sebastian Vettel drives one last time for Ferrari, world champion Lewis Hamilton returns to the Mercedes cockpit after his positive coronavirus test.
But before the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on December 13th (2.10 p.m. / RTL and Sky) there is still a lot of other talking point in Formula 1.
IN FOCUS: Mick Schumacher celebrates his premiere on Friday at a Grand Prix weekend.
The 21-year-old drives the car of the US racing team Haas in the first practice session (10.00 a.m. / CET) and gains initial experience.
"I'm really looking forward to sharing the track with so many fantastic drivers," said Schumacher.
From next year the Formula 2 champion will be a regular driver for the Americans.
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DEPARTED: Scuderia Ferrari has to do without team boss Mattia Binotto at the grand finale.
The 51-year-old had to travel back to Italy early because he is ill.
The racing team quickly made it clear that this had nothing to do with the corona virus.
However, Binotto is so seriously ill that he will not control the weekend from the Ferrari factory in Maranello, but goes straight home to get well again quickly.
DRUCK: Valtteri Bottas did not cut a good figure in the Mercedes recently and has been waiting for a podium for three races despite the superior Mercedes.
"I can only say that I want to and have to do better than in the last races," said Bottas, who at least wants to become vice world champion: "Of course it would be better to finish second."
Although the 31-year-old has a contract for 2021, he cannot be sure of his cockpit, as George Russell has a special talent lurking for his chance.
OFFENSIVE: After the renewed defeat this season, Max Verstappen is already ready for the next title fight.
«We will not give up.
I'm looking forward to next year, ”said the Dutchman with a view to 2021. Then he wants to challenge the Silver Arrows again with Red Bull and ideally finally become world champion.
But the 23-year-old is aware of the starting position: "Of course, Mercedes will be very strong again in 2021."
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HOPEFULLY: In addition to Max Verstappen, Bahrain winner Sergio Perez could drive for Red Bull from 2021.
However, a decision on the second seat should only be made after the weekend.
The 30-year-old is considered a candidate because Alexander Albon could not convince.
“I no longer have control over my future myself, which of course annoys me,” said Perez, who hopes to remain in the premier class of motorsport: “If I get a seat, it's good.
If not, then I'm ready to come back in 2022. "
© dpa-infocom, dpa: 201210-99-648323 / 2
Driver field 2020
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Racing teams 2020
Race weekend schedule
Status of the World Championship ranking