After a hiatus race weekend, we are at the final moments of the 2024 Formula 1 World Championship. With so much fun and entertainment, F1 strikes at the Yas Marina Circuit for the last time for the 2024 season. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix phenomenon has become the traditional season finale for the Formula 1 World Championship since its introduction in 2009. Let us get beyond the grid for the last time at Yas Marina Circuit for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix history, stats, and records
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix History
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was first held on November 1st, 2009. The Grand Prix took place in a racing arena built on Yas Island. The island is known for its luxury hotels and resorts situated near Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. Abu Dhabi was introduced to F1 in the year 2007 as a racing festival. The festival was celebrated to enjoy modern racing in the desert oasis for the first time. Later that year, Etihad Airways signed a three-year deal to become the first sponsor to host the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
In August 2009, F1 signed a deal with the United Arab Emirates to host the F1 race in the morning. However, due to transportation reasons, the Abu Dhabi GP was added to the calendar as the last grand prix of the season. Sebastian Vettel won the first inaugural Grand Prix in the V8 era, and in 2010, F1 added Yas Marina Circuit to host a night race as the last season finale in the World Championship racing.
The Abu Dhabi GP now became synonymous with the season finale and also became the crown racing track, becoming the championship decider and earning its first place as one of the prestigious venues on the F1 calendar. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has transformed Abu Dhabi into one of the sporting hubs and the perfect tourism destination that attracts 60,000 spectators during the race weekend.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Statistics: Yas Marina Circuit
The Yas Marina Circuit is a purpose-built racing facility situated on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. It was designed by one of the leading F1 circuit designers, Herman Tilke. It was the second F1 circuit in the Middle East after Bahrain and now the fourth consecutive Grand Prix circuit after Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Abu Dhabi. This racing circuit is one of the best, having 5 grandstand areas such as the Main Grandstand, West Grandstand, North Grandstand, South Grandstand, and Marina Grandstand.
The main Grandstand passes by and through the Yas Hotel Abu Dhabi. Several exotic hostels and luxury resorts have been situated around the track. But what makes it famous is that the Pit Lane exit runs underneath the racing track. With time, this magnificent track was also improved to match the safety standards of the FIA. In 2021, Turns 4,5 and 6 underwent configuration, and the seating capacity was increased from 50,000 to 60,000 spectators.
Circuit Name | Yas Marina Circuit |
Circuit Certification | FIA Grade 1 License |
Circuit Length | 5.281 KM |
Race Distance | 306.183 KM |
No. Of Laps | 58 |
First Grand Prix | 2009 |
Last Grand Prix | 2023 |
No. Of Laps | 16 |
DRS Activation Zones | 2 |
The total length of the track is about 5.281 kilometers with 16 turns. The 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be the 16th edition to host the season finale of the D1 Championship. The track is covered with a modern lighting system, the same that was used at the Lusail International Circuit. The track also hosted the Audi R8 LMS Cup in 2014 and also incorporated with the FIA to host WRC in 2019.
Records Made At The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has established itself as one of the most crowned racing tracks in the history of Formula 1. The track where champions are crowned with the driver's titles and teams with constructor titles. Thus making it one of the finest venues in global motorsport. Let us look at the honorable records made at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Most Grand Prix Wins: Lewis Hamilton (5). The British driver holds the top position with 5 wins (2011, 2014, 2016, 2018-19) at the Yas Marina Circuit, making it one of the most successful drivers at the Abu Dhabi GP.
Most Pole Position: Lewis Hamilton (5)
Fastest Lap Record: Max Verstappen (1:26.103 secs, 2021)
Most Team Wins: Red Bull (7)
The Yas Marina Circuit is ready to entertain you one last time. Are you ready to witness the season finale? Tell us your favorite moments from the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in the comments below.
