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LOCATION: Yas Marina
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FIRST GP: 2009
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CIRCUIT LENGTH: 5.554 km
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RACE DISTANCE: 305.355 km
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LAPS: 55
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LAP RECORD – 1:26.103Max Verstappen (2021)
The Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is a highly anticipated race on the F1 calendar, taking place at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. This modern circuit, designed by renowned architect Hermann Tilke, is known for its stunning features and challenging layout.
Key details about the Yas Marina Circuit and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix:
Location: The circuit is located on Yas Island, a man-made island in the Persian Gulf, near the capital city, Abu Dhabi.
Track Length: The Yas Marina Circuit is approximately 5.554 kilometers (3.451 miles) long, consisting of 21 corners and a variety of straights.
Unique Features: One of the most iconic features of this circuit is its twilight-to-night race format. The race starts in the late afternoon, with the sun setting during the event, and the circuit is beautifully illuminated by thousands of LED lights.
Marina: The track runs alongside the marina, offering a picturesque backdrop for the race and providing a distinct challenge with a unique tunnel section.
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Pit Lane Exit: The pit lane exit runs through a tunnel that goes underneath the circuit, adding another layer of complexity to the track’s design.
Circuit Challenges: Yas Marina Circuit combines high-speed sections with technical corners, offering a balanced and exciting challenge for both drivers and teams.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix typically marks the season’s final race, often deciding the championship outcome, although this is not the case in the 2023 Formula 1 championship. Its unique atmosphere, luxurious facilities, and stunning views make it a favorite among fans and drivers alike.
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–RACE WINS
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–POLE POSITIONS
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3FASTEST LAPS
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8PODIUMS
HALL OF FAME
Ferrari fastest laps in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
YEAR | DRIVER | MODEL |
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2013 | Fernando Alonso | F138 |
2016 | Sebastian Vettel | SF16-H |
2018 | Sebastian Vettel | SF71H |
The original circuit design, spanning 5.554 kilometers from 2009 to 2020, boasted 21 corners, including some notably tight ones, such as a hairpin with a 180⁰ left-hand turn and several sharp 90⁰ corners. It featured a lengthy, full-throttle straight measuring 1.14 kilometers, as well as a shorter, high-speed half-kilometer straight. This configuration rendered it a technically demanding circuit with each lap involving 68 gear changes. Despite its challenges, the circuit suffered from a lack of overtaking opportunities and competitive wheel-to-wheel racing, often resulting in a less thrilling experience for both drivers and spectators. Historical race results attest to this.
In recent times, the last two races were won by the top three qualifiers in their respective chronological order, and the podium has typically featured drivers who started from the front rows of the grid. In response to the criticism and the need for improvements, the circuit underwent a significant reconfiguration. Its current length has been reduced to 5.281 kilometers, featuring a total of sixteen corners and a couple of straights. The track surface offers medium grip, and the cars are equipped with high downforce and an efficient aero package to navigate the corners without compromising straight-line speeds.
Key Circuit Design Enhancements for 2021:
To meet their objectives, the track was widened, and efforts were made to increase the average track speeds. Three key sections were subjected to modification: the North Hairpin, South Marina, and Hotel section.
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