For the lover of Formula One racing, there’s nothing like the roar of the engines, the anticipation of the start as the stop light goes from red to yellow to green followed by the ear-splitting roar of the engines and the screeching of burning rubber. Man and machine challenge the grim reaper on hairpin turns to pass or be passed. The pressure releases with the waving of the checkered flag. The Formula One season begins in March and takes place across the globe from Singapore to Australia. Now the season is finally coming to its thrilling conclusion. The Abu Dhabi GP is something to behold, taking the adrenaline of Formula One to new heights.

The Abu Dhabi GP takes place in December, and regular attendees include film stars, musicians, socialites, and business elites, as well as the Royal Family of Abu Dhabi. The spectacular race takes place on Sunday, with the previous days being a mixture of practice sessions and qualifying to see who lines up at the front for the big race. There is a large amount of extravagant restaurants, exclusive bars, and breathtaking views. As such, the Yas Marina Circuit is an absolute must for anyone who enjoys the finer things in life. 

The Abu Dhabi GP is one of the newer additions to the Formula One calendar. It was first held in 2009 and has ingrained itself as a pivotal race ever since. Being the last race of the season, it has amassed prestige and importance from the start. It has provided classic on track memories of superstars such as Lewis Hamilton, Nico Rosberg, and Sebastian Vettel achieving championship titles that have cemented their legacy as greats of the sport. 

The most spectacular part of all is the race itself. The organisers newly revamped the track, and the promise of excitement on the track has never been greater. The twenty drivers will battle it out for the coveted winner’s trophy. This race will decide championships and create legacies. For 55 nail biting and exciting laps around the historic circuit, the crowd are treated to one of the highlights of the sporting year, and the chance to be one of the exclusive few that get to see history being made is too good to pass up. The bright lights, the frightening speed, the ever present danger, and the glory of the chequered flag. Formula One has never been quite like this.

After that adrenaline filled spectacle, you could be forgiven for wanting to sit down and relax with some good food and drinks. The Yas Marina Circuit also has an array of top restaurants and bars, with world renowned chefs such as Greg Malouf and talented bartenders to be found on every floor. The Marina View Brunch is a perfect way to start the day with an exquisite view of the track along with some delicious food. There is even live music to enjoy, which is more than can be said for the typical brunch experience. The Turn 1 Hospitality offers a greater variety of tastes and cuisine, and the open bar is filled with bartenders crafting the most modern, cool, and flavoursome cocktails over the course of the weekend.

For the music lover, the famous Yasalam venue is open after the on-track events from Thursday to Sunday for live concerts from some of the biggest stars in the world on a spectacular stage. Some artists who have performed in previous years have been Eminem, Beyonce, Pink, and Guns ‘N’ Roses, so there is sure to be something for everyone to enjoy over the race weekend. The line-up for this year is still to be announced, and tens of thousands of attendees are eagerly awaiting the news to see who will be rocking the Yasalam this year.

Alongside the race itself and the hospitality options, the venue offers some incredible experiences that you’d be hard-pressed to find in many other locations. For the adventurer in you, imagine getting into an Aston Martin or a Caterham and racing round the track yourself, your adrenaline pumping as you fly past every corner and overtaking Hamilton for the lead of the World Championship as you do so! OK, maybe that last part was imaginary, but the rest of it is all possible with the exclusive Express Drive Voucher, fulfilling many a lifelong dream and creating an unforgettable memory.

The organisers make it a jam-packed event with plenty of activities and different locations that make the Abu Dhabi GP feel like a festival of all types of entertainment. The glamorous nature of the entire race weekend seeps into every section of the venue, and with the stunning views and luxurious decor, it’s hard to forget where you are and who you’re surrounded by. With the delicious meals, colourful drinks, and excellent service thrown in, you’d find it tough to find a better mix of elegance and thrill in December.