Daniel Ricciardo was the fastest driver on the day at Yas Marina, but Lewis Hamilton took the championship. He also managed to snatch the fastest laps trophy, but was only the fourth fastest car as he eased across the finish line. Felipe Massa was in the hunt for race victory in Abu Dhabi, which was helped by his fast pace, finishing second on the table below.

Caterham made their return and Kamui Kobayashi was only one thousandth of a second slower than Fernando Alonso. Will Stevens made it to the end of the race but was slowest of those who did so.