Best seats, tickets, concerts, location and getting there
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was announced for the first time in early 2007 at the Abu Dhabi F1 Festival. The first race on this amazing race course took place on 1 November 2009 at Yas Marina Circuit.
In 2008 the FIA announced the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to be the 19th and final race of the season. The Hermann Tilke-designed circuit is part of the multi-billion dollar Yas Island development. This development includes an exclusive marina, huge shopping mall, Abu Dhabi Ferrari World, Warner Brothers World and Yas Waterworld.
It is the first ever day–night race, floodlights are used to illuminate the circuit and the circuit has a capacity for approximately 60,000 spectators. The circuit is 5.5km long and drivers will complete 55 laps.
Tickets are usually quick to sell out despite being the most expensive of all the races around the world. Get your Formula 1 tickets now.
Experts say that the South Grandstand is by far the best experience because one can see the cars much longer compared to other stands. It is positioned right at the end of the second long straight and its the most common point for overtakes.
The Grandstand offers amazing views of the track. It is opposite the Yas Viceroy hotel and big screens are placed there. You can also see across the big VIP yachts in the marina. Another bonus; the sun sets behind the GS so there is no glare
This spot is not the optimal place except if youlike to watch the start and the pitstops however there are plenty of huge screens here and the proximity to the paddock give you a close to action feeling. Its usually the first to sell out.
The Main GS is good if you like seeing the beginning and end of race and of course the podium.
For the first 30 mins it is a little painful to glare into the sun until it sets.
Aside from this the North grandstand is not just overlooking the hairpin but offers a good view of turns 5 and 6 but Its unlikely to see overtakes in this section.
Overall speaking there are definitely more exciting grandstands, but for avid photographers this stand has the advantage that cars slow down here.
Some find this to be the best spot. It gives you the option of moving around and opt for different vantage points. Another bonus is its vicinity to bars and eating spots.
Abu Dhabi Hill: from AED1,200 (€275)
Marina Grandstand: from AED 2,270 (€540)
West Grandstand: from AED2,519 (€600)
North Grandstand: from AED2,270 (€540)
South Grandstand: from AED2,270 (€540)
Paddock Club: AED21,395 access Paddock Club for all three days.
Tickets always sell out quickly so it is best to buy soon to avoid disappointment. You can get tickets here.
Concerts take place during the entire race period after the races at DU Arena on Yas Island, right beside Yas Marina Circuit Gate no 25.
Access to concerts:
Ticket holders need to collect wristbands from Yas Marina Circuit.
Concert tickets cannot be purchased separately.
Date: from November 22-25
Location: Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi
How to get there? we recommend to go by taxi or shuttle bus
Friday November 23: 1pm First practice (90 minutes) and 5pm Second practice (90 minutes)
Saturday November 24: 2pm Final practice (60 minutes) and 5pm Qualifying (split into three parts over 60 minutes)
Sunday November 25: 5pm Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (55 laps) - Finals
(all start times UTC +4)
There are three options to get to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: by car, shuttle bus, taxi or Careem.
By Car:
Going by car is only advisable if you go early enough. There is plenty of parking but you might have to park far away if you are late.
Shuttle Bus:
Probably the best and cheapest option is a free shuttle bus service (for ticket holders) which will take you directely to the race track. Routes 170, 180, 185 and 190 run from the city centre to Yas Island, and numbers 195,200, 201,203,300, 302 and 304 operate from the city’s suburbs.
Taxi & Careem (Uber):
Taxi is another option but you’ll need to go early and book your taxi well in advance as, of course, others had that idea too. On your way home you might want to leave the race ahead of others to not be caught up in a giant queue. Careem will offer special promos for Formula One but they only have limited cars available each day.
