Yas Marina Circuit
Abu Dhabi, Yas Island, United Arab Emirates
First GP: 2009 · 16 Grands Prix
Circuit Overview
The Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi is the regular season finale venue for Formula 1. The circuit, designed by Hermann Tilke and opened in 2009, winds around the Yas Marina harbour and beneath the iconic Yas Viceroy Hotel. The circuit was significantly modified for the 2021 season, with several slow corners replaced by faster sections to improve racing. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has been the scene of several dramatic championship finales — the 2010 finale saw Sebastian Vettel win his first championship; the 2016 finale saw Nico Rosberg clinch the title; and the 2021 finale was the most controversial in F1 history, with Max Verstappen overtaking Lewis Hamilton on the final lap after a disputed safety car procedure to win the championship.
Circuit History
The Yas Marina Circuit was built as part of the Yas Island development in Abu Dhabi, at a cost of approximately $1 billion. The circuit hosted its first Grand Prix in 2009, won by Sebastian Vettel. The 2010 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was one of the most dramatic championship finales in F1 history — Vettel needed to win and for both Alonso and Hamilton to fail to score. He achieved exactly that, winning the race and the championship. The 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is the most controversial race in F1 history — race director Michael Masi's decision to allow only lapped cars between Verstappen and Hamilton to unlap themselves under the safety car set up a final-lap shootout. Verstappen, on fresh soft tyres, overtook Hamilton to win the championship. Mercedes protested but the results stood. Masi was subsequently replaced as race director.
Technical Challenges
- Long straights — DRS zones, high top speeds, overtaking opportunities
- Tight hairpins — heavy braking zones, tyre stress
- Night race — temperature drops significantly, affecting tyre behaviour
- Marina section — tight, technical corners around the harbour
- Hotel section — circuit passes under the Yas Viceroy Hotel
Famous Races
Vettel wins first championship — Alonso and Hamilton fail to score.
Hamilton wins but Rosberg finishes 2nd to clinch championship.
Controversial safety car — Verstappen wins title on final lap.
Yas Marina Circuit — Frequently Asked Questions
What happened at the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?
The 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is the most controversial race in F1 history. Race director Michael Masi allowed only the lapped cars between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton to unlap themselves under the safety car, setting up a final-lap shootout. Verstappen, on fresh soft tyres, overtook Hamilton to win the race and the championship. Mercedes protested but the results stood. Masi was subsequently replaced as race director.
How long is the Yas Marina Circuit?
The Yas Marina Circuit is 5.281 km (3.281 miles) long. The circuit has 16 corners and 2 DRS zones. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix covers 58 laps, a total distance of 306.183 km.
Why is Abu Dhabi the season finale?
Abu Dhabi has been the regular season finale since 2009 because the race is held under floodlights as a night race, creating spectacular television images. The Yas Marina Circuit's location in the UAE also makes it a glamorous end-of-season venue. The late-season timing means the championship is often still undecided when the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix takes place.
What is the Yas Viceroy Hotel at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?
The Yas Viceroy Hotel is an iconic feature of the Yas Marina Circuit — the circuit actually passes under the hotel, which straddles the track. The hotel's distinctive LED-lit exterior creates a spectacular visual backdrop for the night race. The hotel was designed by Asymptote Architecture and opened in 2009.
When was the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix first held?
The first Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was held on 1 November 2009, won by Sebastian Vettel in a Red Bull. The circuit was designed by Hermann Tilke and built at a cost of approximately $1 billion as part of the Yas Island development.
What changes were made to Yas Marina for 2021?
The Yas Marina Circuit was significantly modified for the 2021 season. Several slow corners were replaced by faster sections to improve racing and allow cars to follow each other more closely. The modifications were designed to create more overtaking opportunities and reduce the processional nature of races at the circuit.
Who has won the most Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?
Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel share the record for the most Abu Dhabi Grand Prix victories, with 5 wins each. Hamilton won in 2011, 2014, 2016, 2018, and 2019. Vettel won in 2009, 2010, 2013, 2021, and 2022.
What is the lap record at Yas Marina?
The Yas Marina lap record is 1:26.103, set by Max Verstappen in a Red Bull RB16B during the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The record was set during the controversial race in which Verstappen won the championship.
Is the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix a night race?
Yes — the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is held under floodlights as a twilight/night race. The race starts at 5:00 PM local time, with the sun setting during the early laps. By the end of the race, the circuit is fully illuminated by floodlights, creating spectacular television images.
What is the 2010 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix famous for?
The 2010 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was one of the most dramatic championship finales in F1 history. Sebastian Vettel needed to win and for both Fernando Alonso and Lewis Hamilton to fail to score. Alonso was stuck behind Vitaly Petrov for most of the race and could not pass him. Vettel won the race and the championship — his first of four consecutive titles.
Circuit Facts
- Country
- United Arab Emirates
- Circuit Type
- Street
- Length
- 5.281 km
- First GP
- 2009
- Total GPs
- 16