Located about 30 minutes west of downtown Abu Dhabi, the man-made Yas Island hosts the Abu Dhabi GP at the Yas Marina circuit.
As part of their contract with Formula One, Abu Dhabi now hosts the season finale which has seen some epic title showdowns in recent years, seeing Sebastian Vettel, Nico Rosberg and Max Verstappen all clinch their first ever World Championships in 2010, 2016 and2021.
Another unique aspect of the Abu Dhabi GP is the time of the event. Starting at dusk, you will enjoy the spectacular sunset as the race descends into darkness and the floodlights takeover.
Next door to the circuit is the Ferrari World theme park which has an array of activities and holds the world’s fastest roller-coaster, emulating the acceleration of an F1 car.
The Yas Marina Circuit is situated on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates, and was designed by Hermann Tilke. The circuit was constructed with a permanent lighting system provided by Musco Lighting, the largest permanent sports venue lighting project in the world.
The diggers rolled into what would become the Yas Marina Circuit in May 2007, with the project completed by October 2009. After two years of intensive planning and construction involving14,000 staff and 35 million construction man-hours, the new facility opened its doors to the world. The circuit is believed to be the most expensive circuit in history, having been constructed at a reputed cost of $1 billion.
The surface of the track is made of gray wacke aggregate, shipped to Abu Dhabi from a Bayston Hill quarry in Shropshire, England. The surface material is highly acclaimed by circuit bosses and Formula One drivers for the high level of grip it offers.
After the first practice sessions at the 2009 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the circuit was welcomed by the drivers, with Nico Rosberg commenting that every corner was 'unique', while double World Champion Fernando Alonso echoed his sentiments, stating that it was enjoyable because there was always something to do.
The track is challenging due to its technical layout and precise braking requirements. The circuit's longest straight at 1.2 km is a hotspot for overtaking where vehicles can reach speeds beyond 320 km/h. The track layout comprises 21 turns, including tight hairpins and swift chicanes. The track was reconfigured ahead of the 2021 race in an attempt to increase overtaking opportunities.
Lewis Hamilton holds the record for the most victories at Yas Marina Circuit, with five wins.
The 2010 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix remains one of the most memorable title-deciders in F1 history, with Sebastian Vettel taking the win and his first world championship.
The 2016 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was the stage for a tense championship decider between Mercedes teammates Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg. Rosberg only needed a podium finish to secure his first-ever Formula 1 title.
Hamilton did everything in his power to disrupt Rosberg's race, even slowing down in an attempt to push his teammate into the clutches of Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen. Despite the pressure, Rosberg held his nerve and crossed the line in second place, securing the championship.
The 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix saw Max Verstappen win his first world title in a dramatic final lap. In a controversial final lap, Verstappen, who had pitted for fresh tyres, overtook Hamilton and claimed his first world title.
Fernando Alonso stated that the circuit was enjoyable because there was always something to do, highlighting the variety of corners and challenges. Drivers praise the technical section where they drive under the hotel, describing it as very technical, challenging, and beautiful despite requiring precise kerb management.
The unique day-night format also appeals to drivers, with the race beginning in the late afternoon and transitioning into the evening under floodlights, creating a distinctive racing experience.
The seating capacity of Yas Marina Circuit is 60,000, spread across six major viewing areas. The West Grandstand is a great place to watch all the overtaking action into Turn 8,while the Main Grandstand overlooks the start-finish straight and spectators can enjoy Abu Dhabi's famed pyrotechnics.
All of the grandstands, including the massive hairpin seating area, are covered to protect spectators from the desert sun, while the state-of-the-art pit building boasts 40 air-conditioned garages.
Beyond the circuit, Yas Island offers seven hotels, Ferrari's indoor theme park, a mall, a water park, a golf course, a beach, a concert arena and a nightclub. Warner Bros.
World Abu Dhabi is the world's biggest indoor theme park, split into six exciting zones featuring Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman alongside Bugs Bunny and Fred Flintstone.
Ferrari World Abu Dhabi features a huge range of rides inspired by Ferrari vehicles, including the world's fastest rollercoaster – the Formula Rossa – with speeds of 240 mph in just 4.9seconds.
Abu Dhabi International Airport is adjacent to Yas Island, making the track easily accessible, with a 30-minutedrive to Abu Dhabi city.
The North Grandstand at Abu Dhabi is one of the biggest grandstands on the F1 calendar. Encapsulating the entire hairpin at turn 5 with another adjacent grandstand on the straight at corner exit, you are spoiled for choice in the North Grandstand.
Remodeled for the 2021 season, the chicane was removed just before the turn 5 hairpin, allowing the cars to run at a higher speed into a wider hairpin. This corner witnessed the world championship-deciding overtake on the final lap of the season and is a popular position for cars to overtake.
If you are sitting in the North Grandstand just next to the hairpin, your views will include the hairpin as well as the start of the first DRS zone, allowing the cars to get close to the car in front.
The North Grandstand has a large choice of food and drink, and from these seats you will enjoy an unforgettable view of the circuit at sunset as well as the colourful Yas Hotel.
The “last” Grandstand of the Abu Dhabi track is the South Grandstand and will give you a prime view of any overtakes at turn 9. Just down the straight from the Marina Grandstand, you will also have photo-friendly stunning views of the Yas Marina, Yas Hotel and many yachts sitting on the water – giving you a real ‘Monaco vibe’.
Following turn 9, you will also see cars navigate the tight section of corners that follow as they get back upto full speed for the all-important final sector of the track.
Sitting at the end of the first DRS zone is the West Grandstand, which wraps around Turns 6 and 7. This grandstand will give you a front-on view of the cars flying down the long straight in the first sector.
Here you will see F1 cars braking hard for turn 6 with the chance of overtakes, especially in the early laps and at safety car restart. Turns 6 and 7 are a tight chicane and with a panoramic view of the circuit, photo opportunities in the West Grandstand are a must.
Due to the height of the grandstands at Abu Dhabi, you will also enjoy a view of pit entry from your seats, and from some positions you will also have the views of the final two corners and the back end of the starting grid.
Aptly named, the Marina Grandstand gives you outstanding views of the man-made marina next to the circuit as you sit on the fast straight in the second DRS zone.
Unforgettably in 2021, this grandstand would have been the perfect spot to see Max Verstappen defend one final time from Lewis Hamilton on the final lap of the season.
From your seats, you will also have a distant view of Turn 9 – one of the most popular overtaking spots on the track.
The Marina Grandstand has a combination of viewing opportunities – Formula One cars at full speed on the second DRS zone, overtaking at turn 9, and the tight infield section of Turns10, 11 and 12.
Sitting on the main straight has many benefits at a Formula One race and the main grandstand at Abu Dhabi is no exception. Like all other grandstands at the Yas Marina circuit, the main grandstand is well-raised so expect great views whether high or low in this grandstand. Enjoy the race build up, starting grid and pit stops from your seats – with one very special bonus unique to Abu Dhabi.
As the season finale, you likely have the enjoy the opportunity to see either the World Champion or retiring stars do one final donut in front of their adoring fans on the start/finish straight. Amenities are always close by in the large grandstands at Abu Dhabi and you will be grateful for ease of access for a cool refreshment in the warm weather.
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