The Yas Marina Circuit has become the ultimate gladiatorial arena for the final showdown in the Formula 1 season.
Circuit Stats
| Track Length | 5.281 km |
| Number of Laps | 58 |
| Race Lap Record | 1:26.103 (Max Verstappen – 2021) |
| Qualifying Lap Record | 1:22.109 (Max Verstappen – 2021) |
| First Grand Prix | 2009 |
| First Race Winner | Sebastian Vettel |
| 2023 Race Winner | Max Verstappen |
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Circuit History
Yas Island was always destined to become a tourist attraction. At the centre of those plans was a 5.5 km (3.41 mile) race track that would become known as the Yas Marina Circuit. Work began in May 2007, with the circuit completed by October 2009. It’s one of the most technologically-advanced tracks on the calendar, designed by none other than Hermann Tilke.
Featuring 16 corners and multiple straights, drivers face numerous challenges as they race around the circuit. Between Turns 13 and 14, the track passes underneath the W Abu Dhabi Yas Island Hotel. The circuit was also constructed with a permanent lighting system, allowing for a unique day-into-night race to be held. One of the more astonishing features is the track surface itself. Made of graywacke aggregate, the material is shipped over to Abu Dhabi from Shropshire, England. Whilst it’s less friendly on tyre wear, the level of grip it offers is highly acclaimed.
The current circuit length of 5.281 km (3.281 miles) was a result of modifications ahead of the 2021 Grand Prix. On 9th December 2021, an extended 10-year agreement was signed. Under the current contract, Abu Dhabi retains the right to hold the final race of the Formula 1 season until 2030.
The Ultimate Fan Destination
Development continued on Yas Island, working to reach the ultimate goal of becoming a world-class tourist attraction. A cool $40 billion (roughly £31.4 billion) was spent on the project.
There’s certainly plenty of options for tourists and Formula 1 fans alike to keep themselves entertained during their stay. There are seven hotels for guests to stay at. For thrillseekers, there’s a water park, karting track, drag strip and Ferrari World (an indoor theme park). In addition, there is a golf course, aquarium, shopping mall, beach, concert arena, nightclub and Warner Bros World.
The cherry on this spectacular cake? Formula 1.
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Praise And Criticism
The first practice sessions in 2009 saw mixed reactions from drivers. Nico Rosberg welcomed the circuit, saying that each corner was unique. Fernando Alonso was also a fan of the new circuit. Other drivers, however, didn’t share the same sentiments. Giancarlo Fisichella openly shared his feelings on the “difficult and dangerous” pit exit. Kimi Räikkönen reverted to his usual (and wonderfully brilliant) tact, telling the world “The first few turns are quite good, but the rest of it is shit.”.
By 2017, Hermann Tilke began to discuss potential changes to the circuit layout in order to provide more overtaking opportunities for drivers. In June 2021, layout modifications were approved. Work began quickly, as the clock was ticking down to the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which was due to be held just six months later.
The renovations saw the angular Turns 4, 5 and 6 replaced with a single, smooth hairpin reminiscent of Silverstone’s Luffield Corner. Turns 11, 13 and 14 were changed into a sweeping banked curve. Added allowance for speed came in the form of (then) Turns 18, 19 & 20 being made less tight for drivers to navigate.
Iconic Moment
The Yas Marina circuit has played host to some thrilling championship victories. It’s also witnessed one of the most controversial title wins (we’re looking at you, 2021). But in 2010, the world watched as a young Sebastian Vettel clinched his first Formula 1 title.
On lap 11, Red Bull brought Mark Webber into the pits for fresh tyres. When he fed back out onto the track, the Aussie found himself in P16. Regardless, it had Ferrari worried. They brought Massa and Alonso in for fresh tyres, and Alonso managed to rejoin the race ahead of Webber. It wasn’t long, however, until traffic became a problem for the pair.
Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel both took advantage of their rivals’ frustration, diving into the pits. Hamilton emerged in P5 , and Vettel in P2. Now it was Hamilton’s turn to struggle with traffic, whilst Vettel shot into the lead as Jenson Button came into the pits on lap 39.
As quick as Hamilton was, he just couldn’t catch the Red Bull. Vettel was storming ahead and when he crossed the finish line to win just his fifth race of the season, he was a solid 10.16 seconds ahead of Hamilton. The emotion on the Red Bull team radio was clear to the world.
Sebastian Vettel had become the youngest driver to win a Formula 1 World Championship. The German was audibly in tears as Team Principal, Christian Horner, declared “Sebastian Vettel. You are the world champion”. It was the start of a four-year championship winning streak for Vettel, and it was a fantastic way to make his mark in the Formula 1 history books.
What’s your iconic Abu Dhabi Grand Prix moment? Let us know in the comments!