Abu Dhabi has long been part of the Formula 1 furniture since its inaugural race in 2009, and it now sits proudly as the season finale. It was further immortalised as the scene of the climax of one of F1’s most bitter rivalries, when Max Verstappen edged out Lewis Hamilton for his maiden world title in 2021, with Netflix’s Drive to Survive dramatically capturing one of the sport’s most iconic moments.
The glitz, glamour and beauty of the Yas Marina Circuit has further pushed the race up many sport fans’ bucket lists, making it a genuine “destination experience”, with all types of travellers catered for in the region and further afield across the rest of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).
Here’s how to complement race week with a trip to the UAE capital.
The Yas Marina Circuit hosts the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
(Visit Abu Dhabi)
The Race
Other circuits, such as Monaco, have the prestige, but Yas Marina Circuit, designed by legendary German circuit designer Hermann Tilke – noted for his work renovating Hockenheimring, Circuit de Catalunya and Nürburgring – has embraced the demand for entertaining and unpredictable races. The evolving circuit produced four lead changes and 33 overtakes during the 2021 edition, and its routine tweaks provide fascinating viewing for newbies and motorsport geeks alike.
There is a great viewing experience throughout the 3.451-mile circuit, but seats around turn nine offer a big screen of the world feed, a stunning backdrop of the iconic W Abu Dhabi hotel and the glamorous yachts in the front row, not to mention the incredible firework display at the conclusion of both the race and season. Part of the experience is the day-to-night timing of the race, with blazing sun quickly turning to twilight as neon lights bounce around the marina.
Those eager for a sneak peak of the garages and pits may opt for the Main Stand, which is a good option to soak up the build-up ahead of the 5pm start time. But casual fans may enjoy other grandstands, given that the braking zones are elsewhere.
It’s best to arrive early to beat the notorious Yas Island traffic and enjoy what has now evolved into a pre-race carnival atmosphere, including live DJ sets and celebrity interviews.
Hospitality packages include complimentary tickets to a series of concerts after practice, qualification and the Grand Prix itself at the…
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