Jannik Sinner fuels need for speed at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Already prepping for next season in nearby Dubai, Jannik Sinner enjoyed a day off on Sunday to enjoy the final race of the 2025 Formula One World Championship.

Sinner, named a "Friend of F1" ahead of the 2024 season, got the royal treatment as he hit up Yas Marina Circuit with his girlfriend Laila Hasanovic, father, brother  and the rest of his team.

During his visit, Sinner chatted up some of the grid’s most prominent drivers, including Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli, and George Russell, the driver whom Sinner says has the most similar mentality to him on the court.

Antonelli had previously supported Sinner when he faced Carlos Alcaraz at the year-end ATP Finals in Turin, and the roles were reversed in roaring fashion when the two young stars crossed paths in the paddock.

Sinner suited up with his fellow Italian for a "hot lap"—where a driver pushes the car to its absolute limit to set the fastest possible time— in an all-black AMG Mercedes.

Sinner capped his day at the track by watching Lando Norris make history. Though he finished third in the race itself behind Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri , the podium finish at the 24th and final Grand Prix of the season secured Norria the overall F1 world title—the first for a ended McLaren  driver in 17 years.

"What a day," Sinner wrote on his Instagram story afterwards, calling the race "incredible to watch."