Formula 1™ is one of the world’s most popular motorsports and the ultimate driving experience. With the average F1™ race car able to hit a top speed of over 200 mph, every race is a heart-pounding, adrenaline-fueled event.
And few races are as action-packed and as intense as the FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX. Now, more than a decade on, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix™ has become a cornerstone race on the F1™ calendar. Nothing beats getting to see an F1™ race live and in the flesh.
Securing F1™ Abu Dhabi VIP Tickets ensure unrivaled trackside race views, allowing you to see an F1™ race car really put through its paces.
But securing such coveted tickets is just the start of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix™ experience. For rookie fans planning a trip to their first Abu Dhabi Grand Prix™, here is everything you need to know to get the most out of the experience.
History of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix™
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix™ first made its debut back in 2009. The event’s first ever twilight race, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix™ is a memorable event as it is the culmination of a long, revved-up season.
It is also home to some historic battles, particular the 2014 desert duel, in which reigning champion Lewis Hamilton won only his second Formula 1™ World Championship, emerging victorious against his teammate and rival, Nico Rosberg.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix™ is held at the Yas Marina Circuit. Situated on Yas Island, the circuit was designed by famed German engineer and former touring car racer Hermann Tilke. The island itself serves as a spectacular backdrop but pales in comparison to the race circuit.
Race profile
For those keeping an eye on the track, the circuit is a flowing ribbon of tarmac. The 5.554-kilometer track is stylish and head-turning. With twenty-one corner twists, two long straights, and smooth chicanes, making overtaking on the track is difficult.
The track has been designed with six different configurations. This allows the circuit to be adapted to suit different racing series such as the Supercars Championship and the GP2 Asia Series.
Reaching the podium
Since its debut a decade ago, five different drivers have claimed the coveted first place podium finish.
Leading the way is Lewis Hamilton, the current reigning F1™ Champion with four wins. Sebastian Vettel follows at a close second with three wins, including the inaugural 2009 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix™ race.
Making the most of the experience
The track and the surrounding venue is a cross between Monaco and Disneyland. So even if you aren’t excited by what’s happening on the track, there are doses of adrenaline to get your heart revved up.
Just a short walk away from the Yas Marina Circuit are three world-class theme parks. The main highlight of the three theme parks for fans of F1™ will be Ferrari World Abu Dhabi. Notable attractions at Ferrari World Abu Dhabi include Formula Rossa, the world’s fastest rollercoaster, and the Scuderia Challenge, a state-of-the-art racing simulator.
Fans wanting to trace the racing lines of their favorite F1™ drivers can do so through the Yas Track Drive experience. The regular car track days allows driving enthusiasts to test their mettle and the performance of their chosen sports car throughout several driving sessions.
The Yas Marina Circuit is also home to other motorsports that fans can take part in. This includes drift and drag races as well as bike track days for fans of MotoGP.
Getting tickets
There are several packages available to F1™ enthusiasts looking to attend this premier racing event.
There are three-day or two-day general admission tickets as well as multi-day grandstand ticket options. Yas Marina Circuit has five grandstands, with each providing enviable views of the track.
For a truly immersive experience, no ticket package can compare to the F1™ Abu Dhabi VIP Ticket or a Paddock Club Package. The Formula One Paddock Club™ in Abu Dhabi is situated directly above the pits, providing guests with a VIP suite experience and panoramic views of the circuit.
Regardless of what tickets or packages you prefer, enjoy the experience.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is the thrilling finale of a season of hard-fought battles. Ticket holders also get to celebrate with the biggest names in racing through events like the F1™ Fanzone, Public Pit Lane Walk, and an after-race concert.
AUTHOR BIO
Oliver Kent is the Managing Director of ZK Sports & Entertainment, operating in the Middle East for over 10 years now. He is currently leading the company’s recent appointment as the Exclusive Marketing and Sales Agent for F1 Experiences in the Middle East.