Your guide to
Yas Marina Circuit
Home of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
The spectacular Yas Marina Circuit hosts the F1™ Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – the final race of the 2020 F1™ season.
This December, for one weekend only, the circuit will come alive with world-class racing cars and renowned Formula One drivers competing for a place at the top of the podium. For the first time ever, in 2020 the race will take place behind closed doors – keeping drivers, teams and fans alike, safe and sound.
Read on to find out what else there is to enjoy around Yas Marina Circuit – for your next visit to Abu Dhabi on race weekend. There’s go karting, supercar driving experiences and motorsport events across the calendar, as well as incredible local attractions and entertainment on Yas Island.
Here’s everything you need to know about the Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi.
Work began on Yas Marina Circuit in May 2007, and it was unveiled in 2009 – with Bruno Senna completing the first test run.
Now an annual fixture and season-end to the F1™ calendar, this magnificent track was created by Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management and took two years of intensive planning and construction.
This incredible track has welcomed more than a million visitors since its grand opening. The first ever competitive race roared into action on 1 November 2009, with Sebastian Vettel topping the podium for Red Bull. The race began under the floodlights – making it the second ever evening Grand Prix race, after Singapore.
You can visit Yas Marina Circuit all year round. There are regular tours of the track and facilities when the Grand Prix isn’t in town – one of the best ways to experience this is by hiring a bike to cycle around the track as the sun sets. You can even get behind the wheel and drive the iconic course in a world-class supercar.
Yas Marina Circuit has the latest information on opening, availability and experiences.
Mercedes-AMG is the most successful racing team on this track, with six wins to its name.
Lewis Hamilton has the most victories under his belt at the Yas Marina Circuit with five wins.
Designed by renowned track creator Hermann Tilke, Yas Marina Circuit is one of the longest – and most challenging – tracks on the F1™ calendar.
Positioned on the picturesque Yas Island overlooking the yachts of the marina, this demanding 5.5km long circuit comprises 21 corners and includes the longest acceleration stretch of any track in the world – at 1,173 metres.
Drivers notch up incredible speeds of up to 325km/h around the track, with averages of around 190km/h. Drivers perform 55 laps at the Abu Dhabi big race, in an overall distance of just over 305km.
The track was designed to give every spectator the best possible view. Every grandstand has excellent visibility, with views of multiple corners and big screens to watch the rest of the action.
The seating capacity of Yas Marina Circuit is 60,000, spread across six major viewing areas:
In the South Grandstand, you get an exceptional view of the circuit. Located at turn 11, you’ll see dramatic attempts to overtake, while the boats of the stunning Yas Marina shimmer in the background. Abu Dhabi Hill is another top action spot, where you’ll see drivers jostling for position.
With your F1™ race ticket, every fan gets access to the After-Race Concerts too, with huge names performing for the Grand Prix crowds continuing the entertainment into the night.
The track weaves through W Abu Dhabi - Yas Hotel and is overlooked by the immense Shams Tower, an exclusive, glass-walled structure with panoramic views across the track. Available for VIP bookings, enjoy high-rise dining and refreshments while watching the race.
Home to a dazzling number of world-leading entertainment and attractions, Yas Island promises to turn a trip to the Yas Marina Circuit into an unforgettable vacation.
Located on Yas Island, Warner Bros. World™ Abu Dhabi is the world’s biggest indoor theme park. Split into six exciting zones, you’ll find Batman, Superman and Wonder Woman rubbing shoulders with Bugs Bunny and Fred Flintstone.
Explore iconic recreations plucked straight from your favourite cartoons and comics, including Batman’s Gotham City and Superman’s homeland Metropolis, all in stunning detail.
Enjoy themed rides and rollercoasters, including Road Runner’s Fast and Furry-ous, a super-fast race through the desert.
Visit the award-winning Yas Waterworld for more than 40 high-octane waterslides, rides and attractions. From Adrenaline Rush to Young Fun, the rides are ranked by thrill, so there’s something for everyone – from tiny tots to teens after something more extreme.
Ride the rapids, float down the lazy river or explore Cinesplash, an interactive cinema experience in 5D.
If crisp white sand and crystal-clear water is what you’re looking for, Yas Beach is the ultimate destination. Put your feet up and enjoy food and drink service to your sunbed. If the beach isn’t your thing, why not try a pool cabana instead?
If you’re feeling active, try out the water sports on offer, jet skis and kayaks, or stay on land with a spot of volleyball, or a fitness class.
Be sure to pack your clubs when visiting Yas Island, home to world-class Yas Links. Surrounded by mangroves, this 18-hole course provides a real challenge for experienced players in a spectacular setting.
If your trip to Yas Marina Circuit has given you an appetite for thrill-seeking, stop by the nearby Ferrari World Abu Dhabi.
Inside this record-breaking theme park, you’ll find a huge range of rides inspired by the iconic Ferrari vehicles – including the largest rollercoaster loop on the planet. Ferrari World Abu Dhabi is also home to the world’s fastest rollercoaster – the Formula Rossa. With speeds of 240m/ph in just 4.9 seconds, prepare to be windswept!
A must-visit for any motorsport fan – explore this famous race track at your own pace with a guided tour. Gain access to areas usually off limits to the public, including the high-tech Race Control, Pit Garages, the Shams Tower and exclusive paddock area.
Get behind the wheel of a high-performance sports car or even an F1™ car at DriveYAS. Guided by an experienced instructor, you can hone your professional skills and review video footage captured during your drive.
Don’t fancy taking to the wheel but still want to get up close and personal with the track? Book a passenger experience and enjoy an exhilarating drive with a professional driver around this famous circuit.
A truly thrilling go kart experience, Yas Kartzone is a winding 1km track adjacent to the main track. Open every day, there are three levels of intensity, suitable for children, juniors and adults. There’s a monthly leaderboard too, with the fastest driver winning free passes for the following month.
Ride, jog or stroll around this iconic track with TrainYAS every week – when there’s no motorsport action of course. Open to any level of experience or fitness, this friendly, inclusive event is perfect for getting some exercise and taking in the sunset. There are also dance classes, endurance and circuit training if you want to take your workout to the next level. Just make sure you register before you go.
Yas Marina isn’t only used for prestigious Grand Prix competitions – there’s a full calendar of exciting motorsport events you can attend. Watch drag racing, endurance motorsport and the FIA World Rallycross competition, depending on the time of year.
