Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Explained

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (Arabic: سباق جائزة أبوظبي الكبرى) is a Formula One motor racing event. The first race took place on 1 November 2009, held at the Hermann Tilke-designed Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island, near Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates.[1]

It was announced in early 2007 at the Abu Dhabi F1 Festival. On 25 June 2008, the FIA announced the provisional Formula One calendar including the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as the 19th and final race of the season on 15 November. On 5 November 2008, however, it was announced that the race would be held as the season finale on 1 November, two weeks before the initially planned date, as the 17th and final race.[2] The event has been held every year since, and is due to take place at the Yas Marina Circuit until at least 2030.[3]

The inaugural race was Formula One's first day–night race, starting at 17:00 local time. Floodlights used to illuminate the circuit were switched on from the start of the event to ensure a seamless transition from daylight to darkness.[4] Subsequent Abu Dhabi Grands Prix have also been day–night races.

History

2007–2013: Origins and Early Grands Prix in V8 era

Formula 1 first came to Abu Dhabi in 2007 in the form of the first Formula One Festival.[5] Announced in January 2007,[6] the event which took place on 3 February 2007 was free, and the largest gathering of current Formula One cars and drivers outside of a Grand Prix.[7] At the festival it was announced that Abu Dhabi had won the rights to host a Grand Prix from 2009 until 2016.[8] [9] Later that year, Etihad Airways negotiated a three-year deal for them to become sponsors of the Grand Prix.[10]

For the season, the 2009 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was added to the schedule. It was provisionally announced as being held on 15 November 2009, as the 19th and final Grand Prix of the season.[11] Both the Canadian Grand Prix and French Grand Prix were later removed from the provisional schedule,[12] [13] and as a result the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was moved to 1 November 2009 where it would become the last of 17 meetings.[14] In August 2009, it was announced that the start time would be 17:00 local time (13:00 UTC), and that the race would be floodlit.[15] The race was won by Sebastian Vettel for Red Bull Racing.[16]

For the 2010 Formula One season, the 2010 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was held on the Yas Marina Circuit, from the 12th until the 14th November 2010. The Drivers' Championship was decided in Abu Dhabi for the first time. With championship leader Fernando Alonso losing out and Sebastian Vettel completing his second consecutive win on this track, the young German driver subsequently sealed the world championship.[17]

The 2011 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was the 18th and penultimate race of the 2011 FIA Formula One World Championship, and took place on 11 until 13 November. The race was won by Lewis Hamilton in a McLaren-Mercedes. Second was Fernando Alonso in a Ferrari, with Jenson Button coming third in a McLaren-Mercedes. Sebastian Vettel, in a Red Bull-Renault, had been on pole position, but retired after a puncture on the first lap whilst going round the second corner.[18]

In 2012, championship leader Sebastian Vettel finished the race in 3rd position after starting from the pitlane, due to his disqualification from qualifying due to not having enough fuel to return to parc fermé. His main championship rival Fernando Alonso finished 2nd behind the Finnish driver Kimi Räikkönen, who won for the first time after his return to Formula One earlier in 2012.[19]

The 2013 edition was won by Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull Racing for the third time, leading every lap. Having clinched their fourth consecutive Drivers' and Constructors' Championships respectively at the Indian Grand Prix, the team celebrated their achievements in Abu Dhabi with David Coulthard performing some doughnuts on the helipad of the Burj Al Arab luxury hotel in Dubai, 210-1NaN-1 above ground level.[20]

2014–2021: V6 Hybrid era

The 2014 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix took place on 23 November[21] and was the concluding race of the 2014 FIA Formula One World Championship. Double points were awarded for the race, which was won by Lewis Hamilton, securing his second Drivers' Championship.[22]

The 2015 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was held on 29 November 2015. The race was won by Nico Rosberg making it three wins in a row with Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Räikkönen completing the podium.[23]

The 2016 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was held on 27 November 2016. The race was won by Lewis Hamilton making it four wins in a row with Nico Rosberg and Sebastian Vettel completing the podium and Rosberg securing his one and only Drivers' Championship.[24]

The 2017 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was held on 26 November 2017. The race was won by Valtteri Bottas, with Lewis Hamilton in second and Sebastian Vettel completing the podium.[25]

The 2018 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was held on 25 November 2018. The race was won by Lewis Hamilton, with Sebastian Vettel in second and Max Verstappen completing the podium.[26]

The 2019 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was held on 1 December 2019. The race was won by six-time champion Lewis Hamilton, with Max Verstappen in second and Charles Leclerc in third. In this edition, Hamilton successfully achieved a "Grand Slam," by qualifying on pole, led every single lap and winning the race.[27]

The 2020 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was scheduled for 29 November but the race was moved to 13 December to allow the Bahrain Grand Prix to run after their race was postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. The race was won by Max Verstappen, with Valtteri Bottas and Lewis Hamilton finishing second and third respectively.[28]

In 9 December 2021, an extended 10-year agreement was signed between Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management and the Formula One Group, where Abu Dhabi retains the contractual right to hold final race of the F1 season until 2030.[29] [30] The race was held on 12 December 2021. Max Verstappen controversially won his first World Drivers' Championship when he crossed the finishing line first, followed by Lewis Hamilton in second, and Carlos Sainz Jr. in third. Mercedes won their 8th consecutive Constructors' Championship, followed closely by Red Bull Racing in second. Verstappen's race and championship win was mired in controversy as the race director Michael Masi used the incorrect procedure for withdrawing the safety car prior to resuming racing on the final lap of the race.[31] The FIA launched an inquiry into the events of the race, concluding that whilst the safety car did not stay out for the additional lap, "as required by article 48.12", the result was legitimised because, as Mercedes AMG did not appeal, there was "no available mechanism to change the classification".[32] [33] The investigation failed to report that the FIA President has the power under Judicial & Disciplinary article 9.1.1.d to refer the controversial ending to the FIA International Court of Appeal (ICA) for them to decide whether the result was legitimate. The ICA have the power to change race classifications should they deem that regulations were infringed.[34] This option is available until March 2027, 5 years after the report was published, in accordance with the statute of limitation defined in the F1 Sporting Regulations. In addition, Masi was replaced by Niels Wittich and Eduardo Freitas for 2022 onward.[35]

2022-present: Ground effect era

The 2022 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was held on 20 November 2022. The race was won by Max Verstappen with Charles Leclerc in second, and Sergio Pérez in third.[36]

The 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was held on 26 November 2023 and was won by Verstappen ahead of Leclerc and George Russell. By this point, Verstappen had secured the Drivers' Championship at the Qatar Grand Prix sprint event, and the Constructors' Championship in Japan. Winning the Grand Prix, Verstappen became the first driver to lead one thousand laps in a single season, and the only driver to have completed every racing lap in the 2023 season.[37] [38] [39]

Circuit

See main article: Yas Marina Circuit. The Yas Marina Circuit was designed by Hermann Tilke and is located on Yas Island – a 2550ha island on the east coast of Abu Dhabi. The 2009 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was the first major event to take place on the circuit.[40]

In June 2021, Saif Al Noaimi, acting CEO of Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management, announced that modifications to the track's Grand Prix layout had been approved, with the modifications being completed in time for the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.[41] The turn 5–6 chicane and turn 7 hairpin were replaced by a single, widened hairpin, now turn 5; the triple chicane and 90 degree left hander at turns 11–14 were replaced by a single, sweeping banked curve, now turn 9; and the radiuses of turns 17–19 (now 12–14), and the penultimate turn 20 (now 15), were widened to allow cars to carry more speed through the third sector.[42] [43]

Gallery

Winners

Repeat winners (drivers)

Drivers in bold are competing in the Formula One championship in the current season.

WinsDriverYears won
5 Lewis Hamilton2011, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019
4 Max Verstappen2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
3 Sebastian Vettel2009, 2010, 2013
Source:[44]

Repeat winners (constructors)

Teams in bold are competing in the Formula One championship in the current season.

WinsConstructorYears won
7 Red Bull Racing2009, 2010, 2013, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023
6 Mercedes2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
Source:

Repeat winners (engine manufacturers)

Manufacturers in bold are competing in the Formula One championship in the current season.

WinsManufacturerYears won
7 Mercedes2011, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019
4 Renault2009, 2010, 2012, 2013
2 Honda2020, 2021
Source:

By year

YearDriverConstructorReport
Sebastian VettelRed Bull Racing-RenaultReport
Sebastian VettelRed Bull Racing-RenaultReport
Lewis HamiltonMcLaren-MercedesReport
Kimi RäikkönenLotus-RenaultReport
Sebastian VettelRed Bull Racing-RenaultReport
Lewis HamiltonMercedesReport
Nico RosbergMercedesReport
Lewis HamiltonMercedesReport
Valtteri BottasMercedesReport
Lewis HamiltonMercedesReport
Lewis HamiltonMercedesReport
Max VerstappenRed Bull Racing-HondaReport
Max VerstappenRed Bull Racing-HondaReport
Max VerstappenRed Bull Racing-RBPTReport
Max VerstappenRed Bull Racing-Honda RBPTReport
Source:

External links

Notes and References

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  2. News: World Motor Sport Council – Decisions . fia.com . 29 October 2009 . 30 October 2009 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20110621234228/http://www.fia.com/en-GB/mediacentre/pressreleases/wmsc/wmsc08/Pages/wmsc_051108.aspx . 21 June 2011 .
  3. News: Formula 1 renews Abu Dhabi Grand Prix contract until 2030. 9 December 2021. f1.com. 3 September 2022. 12 June 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220612142007/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.formula-1-renews-abu-dhabi-grand-prix-contract-until-2030.4oNR96dTUunnErAiruurFd.html. live.
  4. News: Abu Dhabi confirms 5 pm race start . autosport.com . 29 October 2009 . 30 October 2009 . 26 June 2019 . https://web.archive.org/web/20190626215828/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/78061/abu-dhabi-confirms-5pm-race-start . live .
  5. Web site: Countdown underway in Abu Dhabi. 1 February 2007. Formula One. 28 August 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20091012023508/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2007/2/5591.html. 12 October 2009 . live.
  6. Web site: F1 Festival coming to Abu Dhabi. 22 January 2007. Formula One. 28 August 2009. 6 August 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140806165802/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2007/1/5530.html. live.
  7. Web site: Abu Dhabi line-up taking shape. 30 January 2007. Formula One. 28 August 2009. 6 August 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20140806135750/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2007/1/5576.html. live.
  8. Web site: Abu Dhabi gets Grand Prix for 2009 . 3 February 2007 . . 28 August 2009 . dead . https://web.archive.org/web/20071015040241/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2007/2/5604.html . 15 October 2007 . dmy .
  9. Web site: Abu Dhabi 'on track' with Grand Prix Circuit construction. 16 July 2007. AME Info. 28 August 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20090915182751/http://www.ameinfo.com/126899.html. 15 September 2009. dead. dmy-all.
  10. Web site: Etihad Airways to sponsor Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. 18 December 2007. Formula One. 28 August 2009. 25 October 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141025002823/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2007/12/7191.html. live.
  11. Web site: Abu Dhabi to stage 2009 F1 finale. 25 June 2008. BBC Sport. BBC. 28 August 2009. 8 May 2019. https://web.archive.org/web/20190508145417/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7473748.stm. live.
  12. Web site: FIA wants French GP clarification. 16 October 2008. BBC Sport. BBC. 28 August 2009. 29 October 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20181029192741/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7672931.stm. live.
  13. Web site: Canada dropped from F1 calendar. 8 October 2008. BBC Sport. BBC. 28 August 2009. 29 October 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20181029192045/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/7657014.stm. live.
  14. Web site: China moves to April as FIA issues revised 2009 calendar. 5 November 2008. Formula One. 28 August 2009. 27 October 2014. https://web.archive.org/web/20141027112243/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2008/11/8650.html. live.
  15. Web site: F1 fight to have day–night climax. Holt. Sarah. 28 August 2009. BBC Sport. BBC. 28 August 2009. 29 October 2018. https://web.archive.org/web/20181029192011/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8226520.stm. live.
  16. Web site: Vettel wins as Hamilton drops out . 1 November 2009. BBC Sport. 4 November 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20091104072449/http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/motorsport/formula_one/8336637.stm. 4 November 2009 . live.
  17. News: Sebastian Vettel wins Formula One world championship in Abu Dhabi. The Guardian. 14 November 2010. 10 February 2023.
  18. News: Lewis Hamilton says Abu Dhabi GP win marks new start. Abu Dhabi. BBC Sport. Holt. Sarah. 14 November 2011. 10 February 2023. 10 February 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230210143337/https://www.bbc.com/sport/formula1/15714124. live.
  19. News: Raikkonen wins Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. 4 November 2012. 11 February 2023. talkSport. Osafo. Derek. 11 February 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230211023823/https://talksport.com/sport/motorsport/67234/raikkonen-wins-abu-dhabi-grand-prix-184552/. live.
  20. News: Red Bull celebrate titles with doughnuts in Dubai. 2 November 2013. 31 October 2013. 3 November 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20131103105253/http://www.f1fanatic.co.uk/2013/10/31/red-bull-celebrate-titles-with-more-doughnuts-in-dubai. live.
  21. News: FIA confirms revised calendar for 2014. 4 December 2013. 4 December 2013. 6 December 2013. https://web.archive.org/web/20131206112848/http://www.formula1.com/news/headlines/2013/12/15328.html. live.
  22. News: Abu Dhabi 2014 revisited: How Lewis Hamilton triumphed in F1's first Duel in the Desert. Sky Sports. 28 November 2016. 11 February 2023. Galloway. James. 11 February 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230211030103/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/10666197/abu-dhabi-2014-revisited-how-lewis-hamilton-triumphed-in-f1s-first-duel-in-the-desert. live.
  23. News: Nico Rosberg ends season on a high with third straight win in Abu Dhabi. Sky Sports. 2 December 2015. 11 February 2023. Wise. Mike. 11 February 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230211030105/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/15740/10084015/nico-rosberg-ends-season-on-a-high-with-third-straight-win-in-abu-dhabi. live.
  24. News: Nico Rosberg the world champion but Lewis Hamilton steals the story. Sky Sports. 28 November 2016. 11 February 2023. Brundle. Martin. 11 February 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230211030105/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/24096/10675651/nico-rosberg-the-world-champion-but-lewis-hamilton-steals-the-story. live.
  25. News: Abu Dhabi GP: Valtteri Bottas beats Lewis Hamilton in F1 2017 finale. Sky Sports. Galloway. James. 26 November 2017. 11 February 2023. 11 February 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230211030101/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11143413/abu-dhabi-gp-valtteri-bottas-beats-lewis-hamilton-in-f1-2017-finale. live.
  26. News: Abu Dhabi GP: Lewis Hamilton finishes F1 2018 with dominant win. Sky Sports. 25 November 2018. 11 February 2023. Morlidge. Matt. 11 February 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230211030102/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/15740/11558160/abu-dhabi-gp-lewis-hamilton-finishes-f1-2018-with-another-win. live.
  27. News: Abu Dhabi GP: Lewis Hamilton signs off from F1 2019 with win. Sky Sports. 1 December 2019. 11 February 2023. Galloway. James. 12 January 2022. https://web.archive.org/web/20220112032744/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/11875472/abu-dhabi-gp-lewis-hamilton-signs-off-from-f1-2019-with-win. live.
  28. News: Abu Dhabi GP: Max Verstappen crushes Mercedes to win F1 finale. Sky Sports. 13 December 2020. 11 February 2023. Morlidge. Matt. 11 February 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230211030104/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/12160053/abu-dhabi-gp-max-verstappen-crushes-mercedes-to-win-f1-finale. live.
  29. Web site: Khaled bin Mohamed bin Zayed witnesses signing of 10-year contract extension to host Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. 9 December 2021. Emirates News Agency. 9 December 2021. 9 December 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211209180413/http://wam.ae/en/details/1395303001511. live.
  30. News: Abu Dhabi to stay as F1 season finale until 2030. Motorsport.com. 9 December 2021. 10 February 2023. Smith. Luke. 10 February 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230210143338/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/abu-dhabi-to-stay-as-f1-season-finale-until-2030/6866636/. live.
  31. News: Why Mercedes chose not to pursue its Abu Dhabi F1 appeal. Motorsport.com. 18 December 2021. 11 February 2023. Cooper. Adam. 11 February 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230211030954/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/why-mercedes-chose-not-to-pursue-its-abu-dhabi-f1-appeal/6892801/. live.
  32. Web site: FIA Announces World Motor Sport Council Decisions. FIA. 19 March 2022.
  33. News: F1's 2021's controversial title finale underway ahead of 2022 season. Sky Sports. 12 January 2022. 11 February 2023. Slater. Craig. Galloway. Mike. 17 January 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230117064428/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/12433/12514337/fia-inquiry-into-abu-dhabi-gp-and-f1s-2021s-controversial-title-finale-underway-ahead-of-2022-season. live.
  34. Web site: FIA Judicial and Disciplinary rules. FIA. 19 March 2022.
  35. News: Who are Eduardo Freitas and Niels Wittich, and why are they replacing Michael Masi in F1?. Motorsport.com. 18 February 2022. 11 February 2023. Cobb. Haydn. 11 February 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230211030102/https://www.motorsport.com/f1/news/who-are-eduardo-freitas-and-niels-wittich-and-why-are-they-replacing-michael-masi-in-f1/8259257/. live.
  36. News: Abu Dhabi GP: Max Verstappen signs off F1 2022 in style, Charles Leclerc denies Red Bull one-two. Sky Sports. 21 November 2022. 11 February 2023. Abu Dhabi. Morlidge. Matt. 11 February 2023. https://web.archive.org/web/20230211030106/https://www.skysports.com/f1/news/15740/12751623/abu-dhabi-gp-max-verstappen-signs-off-f1-2022-in-style-charles-leclerc-denies-red-bull-one-two. live.
  37. News: Verstappen beats Leclerc to victory in Abu Dhabi . 27 November 2023 . Formula 1 . 26 November 2023 . en.
  38. Web site: Kalinauckas . Alex . F1 Abu Dhabi GP: Verstappen wins 2023 finale as Mercedes secures second . Autosport. 26 November 2023 .
  39. News: Best facts and stats from the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix . 27 November 2023 . Formula 1 . 26 November 2023 . en.
  40. Web site: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Yas Marina Circuit. 28 August 2009. https://web.archive.org/web/20090827074344/http://www.yasmarinacircuit.com/en/content/41/abu-dhabi-grand-prix.html. 27 August 2009. dead. dmy-all.
  41. News: Abu Dhabi approves new layout plan for F1 track to improve racing. Autosport. June 21, 2021. June 21, 2021. en. 14 November 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20211114063623/https://www.autosport.com/f1/news/abu-dhabi-approves-new-layout-plan-for-f1-track-to-improve-racing/6593131/. live.
  42. News: REVEALED: The track changes aimed at improving overtaking at Abu Dhabi's Yas Marina Circuit . 24 June 2021 . Formula 1 . 24 June 2021 . 7 December 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211207143901/https://www.formula1.com/en/latest/article.revealed-the-track-changes-aimed-at-improving-overtaking-at-abu-dhabis-yas.rejS8Xxbgoom5yPUInsek.html . live .
  43. News: Yas Marina set for circuit changes to aid overtaking at F1 finale . . 22 June 2021 . 6 July 2021 . Williams-Smith . Jake . 14 November 2021 . https://web.archive.org/web/20211114063625/https://www.motorsportmagazine.com/articles/single-seaters/f1/yas-marina-set-for-circuit-changes-to-aid-overtaking-at-f1-finale . live .
  44. Web site: Abu Dhabi GP. ChicaneF1. 3 September 2021. 3 September 2021. https://web.archive.org/web/20210903070616/https://www.chicanef1.com/indiv.pl?name=Abu%20Dhabi%20GP&type=o. live.

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