With the curtain almost ready to fall on another incredible F1 season, Ethara, promoter of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, takes us through some of the top things to look out for – and look forward to – this weekend.
Milestone 15th edition of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Taking place every year since the inaugural race in 2009, the Yas Marina Circuit has played host to several iconic championship moments in F1 history – including Sebastian Vettel’s first title in 2010, Nico Rosberg’s thrilling 2016 championship victory and shock retirement, and the beginning of Max Verstappen’s championship reign. Organisers are planning thrilling experiences for fans in 2023 to mark the occasion.
More fans and more stands following unprecedented demand
After going on sale in February earlier this year, the majority of grandstands have sold out across Yas Marina Circuit for the 2023 race, with the largest ever attendance expected across all 4 days. Organisers have built two new grandstands – North Straight and West Straight along the longest straight on the circuit following Turn 5 – as well as introduced new viewing platforms in The Deck @ Two located on Turn 2 for all-new vantage points across the 5.28km track.
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Yas Island – the entertainment capital of the UAE
Yas Island offers a diverse mix of leisure and entertainment experiences for visitors and residents. From award-winning theme parks such as Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, and SeaWorld Yas Island, to incredible attractions such as the record-breaking CLYMB Abu Dhabi, and the thrilling Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island offers a world of entertainment options all within the 25 sq. km island.
Yas Island is also home to the Etihad Arena – an indoor multi-purpose 18,000 capacity entertainment venue, and Etihad Park – the region’s largest open-air entertainment venue and home to the Abu Dhabi GP Yasalam After-Race Concerts, as well as a number of world-class hotels, the iconic Yas Marina, shopping destination Yas Mall, and waterfront lifestyle destination Yas Bay.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ticketholders benefit from experiences across the Emirate
As part of Ethara’s unwavering drive to add value for fans, ticketholders can access a number of incredible attractions and experiences across Abu Dhabi with their F1 season finale ticket. As part of the Yas All In initiative, ticketholders can gain access to one of the four world-class theme parks on Yas Island. They will also gain access to cultural attractions including Louvre Abu Dhabi and Qasr Al Watan, as well as a number of other benefits and discounts.
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Line-up of global music icons for the Yasalam After-Race Concerts
This year’s evening entertainment for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend will feature an illustrious roster of award-winning musical talent including Ava Max, Tiësto, Chris Brown, Shania Twain and Foo Fighters to close out the F1 season in style.
Brand-new LED lighting system introduced for 2023
The venue has undergone a significant transformation to introduce a new LED lighting system across Yas Marina Circuit for 2023, which reduces overall power consumption by up to 30% and will feature as part of the venue’s incredible evening displays once the racing action concludes each evening.
Environmentally focused. Sustainably Driven.
Yas Marina Circuit and Ethara have been recertified as part of the FIA Three-star Environmental Accreditation, continuing the sustainable progress made since the first certification in 2021.
The promoter has achieved ISO 14001 and ISO 20121 accreditation status this year for their Environmental Management and Sustainable Event Management Systems in the events and venues sector. They become the only circuit operator in the region to currently hold these two ISO certifications, the FIA 3* rating, and be a signatory on the UN’s Sport for Action Climate Framework.
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Emirati sensations to drive for home team in F4 races over the weekend
Yas Heat Racing, based out of Yas Marina Circuit, will feature 3 of the UAE’s top racing talents as part of their team this weekend. The Formula 4 UAE Trophy Round at this year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend, will see Rashid Al Dhaheri and F1 Academy stars Amna and Hamda Al Qubaisi join the team for the opening exhibition round of the season.
Multi-million-dollar Bonhams ‘On The Grid’ auction
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend is set to feature several of the world’s most sought after cars for the annual Bonhams ‘On The Grid’ auction on Saturday evening, with Kimi Raikkonen’s 2006 McLaren MP4/21, Mario Andretti’s 1978 John Player Special Lotus-Cosworth Type 79, and the 1989 Lamborghini Countach 25th Anniversary – seen on screen in the 2013 film ‘The Wolf of Wall Street’ – lining up on the grid with total sales expected to reach over $25 million.
Tickets for 2024 event going on sale soon
Fans who are already looking to book their seat at the 2024 F1 season finale can check out F1 Tickets after this weekend, with organisers confirming tickets for next season’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will go on sale in the coming weeks.
