It’s only a matter of time before Yas Marina Race Weekend is on full throttle. Running from December 4-7, we shall soon see the Emirate alive with motorsport fans. But before the festivities begin, here are some fun facts about F1 and Abu Dhabi that you should know.
The Rise of F1
Over the years, F1 has been growing in popularity thanks to the documentary series Formula 1: Drive to Survive and, more recently, F1: The Movie. Whereas the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has similarly become one of the more popular motorsport events. Since its establishment in 2009, it has consistently broken attendance records and expanded its global reach. The 2024 edition reached 77.8 million viewers worldwide and attracted 192,000 fans, with 70% travelling from abroad. Boosting tourism in the Emirate, reports say that visitor spending reached AED 1.25 billion in 2024, a 6.8% year-on-year increase. Now, for the 2025 season, fans are projected to come from 104 different countries, and we can expect even greater numbers.
The 2025 Season
The 2025 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix marks the finale of the historic 75th season of F1, lending itself to even bigger hype as the event comes closer. Beyond the historic season, the reason why the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix stands out is because of its blend of racing and entertainment. In fact, since 2009, more than sixty concerts and over one hundred Grammy-winning artists have performed as part of Race Week, combining motorsport with A-list concerts. This season’s edition comes with an ambitious lineup of global artists—Benson Boone, Post Malone, Elyana, Metallica, Katy Perry, Keinemusik, Idris Elba, and Calvin Harris—performing at signature Yasalam After-Race Concerts and After-Parties.
And to make things fitting for the 75th celebrations, the season will hold two fan experiences. Fans of the sports will be allowed to walk on the pit in two separate sessions, with one session including a ‘Pit to Park’ experience where fans can explore teams’ garages. Whereas, on the final day, for the first time in the event’s history, all gates will be opened to allow every fan to join post-race celebrations on the grid and walk the track again.
Yas Marina Circuit
Designed by acclaimed German engineer Hermann Tilke, the Yas Marina Circuit is among Formula 1’s most distinctive venues. It is one of the fastest circuits on the calendar, with drivers spending around 69% of the lap at full throttle. The fastest lap record was 1:25.637, set by Kevin Magnussen in 2024.
Beyond its speed and specs, the Yas Marina Circuit is also a champion of sustainability in motorsports. Holding a Three-Star Environmental Certification from the FIA, the Yas Marina Circuit managed to reduce emissions in 2024, dropping them by 8.7%. This year, there will be a greater focus on renewable energy, solar power, and a push to eliminate single-use plastic across the event site. This focus aligns with Formula One’s Net-Zero 2030 commitment as well as the UAE’s Net-Zero 2050 vision.
