By Isobel Nutbrown
  • Copy link to share with friends

The adrenaline rush is undeniable. The anticipation is just shy of unbearable as fans, engulfed in the intoxicating scent of burning rubber, sit on edge as the deafening roar of twenty engines sprints towards the chequered flag. Ultra-VIP lounges host exclusive soirees where the flow of fine champagne and Michelin star level canapes never cease. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix reigns as one of the most glamorous on the F1 calendar and is arguably motorsports’ ultimate unmissable weekend.

In equal parts, heart-stopping excitement and exclusive luxury, the annual, nail-biting finale of the Grand Prix World Championship is an event not to be missed. Floodlit against the backdrop of a darkening Middle Eastern sky, this is truly an essential experience for the discerning thrill seeker. Though the race itself is undoubtedly the showstopper of the weekend, those two hours on the Sunday evening are just the tip of the iceberg. The crown jewel of the Formula One Championship, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is a three-day event bursting with excitement. Guests can witness tensions rise in the practice and qualifying races, take the wheel themselves in a variety of electrifying driving experiences, and celebrate into the early hours at the private afterparty. From top-quality hospitality, first-rate, immersive entertainment, and endless opportunities to grab a piece of the action, The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix deserves pride of place on every jetsetter’s calendar.

spectators at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
"

"Formula One doesn't have to be just a spectator sport "

The 13th of May 1950 saw the birth of Formula One on Britain’s famous Silverstone racetrack. Becoming one of the most loved sporting events across the world, Formula One grew exponentially, setting down roots across the globe in some of the world’s most exclusive and exotic locations. Most notable for its extravagant luxury, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix first made its home on the Yas Marina Circuit in 2009, and quickly established itself as one of the Formula One World Championship’s most iconic races.

Guest racing experience at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

The Yas Marina Circuit is one of the most technologically advanced racing tracks in the world. Purpose-built for the Grand Prix back in 2009, this incredible stadium plays host to the iconic race each year and continued the tradition to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2020, which was held from the 11-13th of December. Located on Yas Island just off the east coast of Abu Dhabi, Yas Marina Circuit measures 5.55 kilometers (around 3.45 miles) long. Designed by Hermann Tilke, this world-class venue has earned a name for itself as the most expensive racing circuit ever built for Formula One, with construction costs amounting to an incredible $1 billion.

VIP experience at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Luxury and glamour form the soul of what may be misconstrued as a raw and rough event. The state-of-the-art setting is built with guest experience at its heart, and visitors are welcomed with gourmet cuisine and exceptional views, well suited to the laser-focused motorsports enthusiast. What really sets the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix apart from other races of the season is how the race is typically held in the early evening, continuing as the beating sun slips beyond the horizon and Yas Island welcomes the night sky. Also unique to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is its position as the final race of the season, and therefore its completion announces the winner for the Grand Prix World Championship. The intensity of such a monumental event in the motorsports calendar, coupled with the breathtaking sunsets of Yas Island, make for a truly individual experience.

"

"The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is an event not to be missed, the atmosphere is truly electric"

The practice and qualifying races held on the Friday and Saturday respectively, provide the perfect opportunity for guests to fully immerse themselves in the action and witness the all-important struggle for pole position. Attendance at the pre-race events allows the eager onlooker with unparalleled access to the circuit with pit tours and circuit walks facilitated each year. Taking a step into the heart of the action, many guests have caught glimpses of some of the world’s most celebrated sportsmen, namely six-time Formula One World Champion, Lewis Hamilton, and four-time champion, Sebastian Vettel, who took first place at Abu Dhabi’s inaugural race in 2009.

Exclusive guest activities at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

The excitement is far from over even once the chequered flag is flown. Amber Lounge is the most exclusive Grand Prix after-party that follows the race around the globe. The 2019 Abu Dhabi race saw the after-party held on a yacht with the extravagant style that has become synonymous with the event. The party features exquisite culinary experiences, luxury fashion shows, and stunning live performances from iconic artists. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix never fails to go out with a bang.

Formula One doesn’t have to be just a spectator sport. The Yas Marina Circuit boasts extensive driving experiences, allowing guests to truly feel what it is like to race on a Formula One track. From the top of the range go-karting experiences to drag racing in a Mercedes AMG, visitors are encouraged to take the wheel themselves and live out unmissable experiences with authenticity and guest satisfaction at their heart. There is so much more to The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix than its namesake race. Yas Marina Circuit provides unparalleled experiences that will stay with guests long after the event is over.

Guest experiences and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2020 was one of the most celebrated, glamourous events of the year’s sporting calendar. Set against the stunning backdrop of Yas Island, jetsetters and thrill-seekers alike found themselves immersed in an action-packed, adrenaline-fuelled experience, complemented by the exclusivity and style Abu Dhabi has become known for. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is an event not to be missed, the atmosphere is truly electric.

Blazing Sunsets at Yas Marina Circuit

Isobel Nutbrown

Isobel Nutbrown is a budding travel writer driven by a love of discovering new cultures. After spending a month living in southern Italy, Isobel was inspired to turn her passion into a career, setting out to uncover the world’s most unique exotic experiences.