The most
Unforgettable moments
at Yas Marina Circuit
When work started on the circuit in May 2007, no one could quite believe that Yas Marina would be ready to host its first race in 2009. But ready it was, with a special track surface noted for its grip and the biggest permanent sports venue lighting project on earth. Add in the fact that it was F1’s first ever day/night race and the ingredients were there for an epic showdown.
Abu Dhabi 2010 was the first time in the sport’s 60-year history that four drivers went into the final race with a chance of becoming world champion. Fernando Alonso led Sebastian Vettel, Mark Webber and Lewis Hamilton. Ultimately, Vettel won to become the youngest champ of all time.
Yas Marina Circuit is noted more for its technical corners than flat-out straights, so there are not usually many shunts – but that wasn’t the case in 2012. Attempting to fight his way from the back of the field, Nico Rosberg was about to pass back-marker Narain Karthikeyan when the HRT driver suffered a hydraulic failure. Rosberg’s car hit the HRT and launched over the top of it. Rosberg hit the HRT car and launched over the top of it.
The single most famous piece of F1 radio communication ever occurred in 2012, when Kimi Räikkönen’s team reminded him to keep his tyres warm behind the safety car: “Yes, yes, yes, yes. I’m doing it all the time. You don’t have to remind me every second.”
How do you celebrate your seventh race in a row? At the end of the 2013 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix,
Sebastian Vettel decided it could only be with a series of tyre-smoking doughnuts in front of the crowd. Fortunately, he escaped punishment
After winning his first world title on the last corner of the last race in 2008, Lewis Hamilton is no stranger to end-of-season excitement. But even he was surprised after he crossed the line in 2014 and Prince Harry congratulated him over the team radio. “You are an absolute legend,” he said. “Well done, mate.”
After a tough, bitter battle with teammate Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg won the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi… then promptly retired from Formula 1 five days later.
So said Carlos Sainz Jr ahead of the 2018 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, after his bizarre 2017 race. Having come into the pits for a tyre change, he rejoined the track to discover that his front-left wheel hadn’t been reattached properly. “These things happen,” he said sagely, after the race. Well, not that often.
Looking to buy tickets and spend a weekend in Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit? Our ticket guide will help you find your perfect seat.
Experience the twists, turns and excitement of Yas Marina Circuit with ex-F1™ driver Nico Hülkenberg as he talks through a lap on the track.
Legendary after-race concerts, desert safaris and world-class shopping - check out our top recommendations for pre and post-race activities in Abu Dhabi.
