06 September 2019 11:35
Formula 1’s annual visit to Abu Dhabi is a glamorous affair. Modern grandstands with generous views are mixed with exquisite hospitality and entertainment, including post-race concerts featuring Travis Scott and The Killers. Motorsport Live guides you through your seat selection for the unique twilight race.
Whilst it still feels like a relative newcomer, Abu Dhabi became an instant fan-favourite when it debuted at the end of the 2009 season. Some 10 years ago. The Hermann Tilke designed circuit features fast, flowing corners, with long straights and tricky chicanes that can make threading the perfect lap a real challenge. The grandstands themselves are modern, permanent structures with generous seating offering views over many key parts of the circuit. This makes the Yas Marina Circuit a true track for both the drivers and the fans alike. This alone is normally enough to sell a race, but the organisers don't stop there.
The United Arab Emirates enjoy some of the most beautiful sunsets on the planet, and the race is intentionally scheduled in the twilight hours so that the spectacular moment can be experienced alongside the race. State of the art floodlit technology operates during the race to ensure the drivers can still enjoy perfect vision of the track. Additionally, the circuit promoters' put-on world-class concerts as post-race entertainment at the duArena on the side of the circuit complex. Past years have included performances by Paul McCartney, Pink, Rhianna, and Jay-Z. Best of all, all concerts are included in your ticket price!
Sold on the race, but not sure where to watch from? Here's our guide to where to sit:
Start / Finish / Pre and Post Race
Choosing a ticket in the Main Grandstand gives you a view over the start/finish straight and the pit lane. From here you can enjoy the procedure before the race, including the formation of the grid. After the national anthem and parade lap, you can then see the start of the race, pit stops, and the winning driver taking the chequered flag. It's not unusual to catch some post-race donuts here too, including in 2018 when race-winner Lewis Hamilton, second placed Sebastian Vettel, and retiring legend Fernando Alonso bathed the area in tyre smoke.
The Main Grandstand tickets includes a reserved seat for Friday through to Sunday, and start at £529 per person. Premium seats and Club upgrades are also available.
Action and Overtaking
The South Grandstand is a great area for those wanting to see a bit more on track action. The stand is situated at the end of the second DRS zone, where the majority of passing takes place as the drivers break for the triple-apex chicane. Max Verstappen made this a happy hunting ground back in 2018, as he made one of his trademark charges through the field to third place.
South Grandstand tickets are available as Saturday to Sunday, or Friday through to Sunday, and start at £451 per person. Club upgrades are also available.
For the Post-Race Concerts
The North Grandstand has two amazing benefits. The view from the hairpin shaped Grandstand itself is exceptional, with the stand encompassing turns 5, 6, and 7. Additionally, this stand is closest the duArena, giving easy access to the concerts. Once the chequered flag falls and the fireworks have finished, the grandstands empty for the fans to make their way down to this arena. With the stand backing on to the arena, get there first by leaving from the North Grandstand.
North Grandstand tickets are available Friday through to Sunday, and start at £476 per person. Premium and Lounge seats are also available.
That Something Special
When the standard, club, and premium options are so good around the circuit, it's hard to imagine grander experiences - but in Abu Dhabi, they have another gear! The Yas Suites offer premium lounge access above the Main, North and West grandstands. Located above the grandstands, the lounge and balcony offer hot and cold food snacks through the day, as well as unlimited non-alcoholic drinks throughout the day. There is also a cash bar for purchasing alcohol beverages. Yas Suite tickets start at £846 per person for a three-day ticket.
As at all other races on the calendar, the Paddock Club product is available at the circuit. Operated by Formula 1, this exclusive top-of-the-range hospitality. Located in the suites above the pit garages, you are in the centre of the action. Snacks are available all day, but the foodie highlight is the finest gourmet lunch with fine wines, don't forget the open bar, including Champagne. Entertainment continues in the suites between sessions, with live music, pit walks, and a guided paddock tour.
We also offer Paddock Club options hosted by McLaren, and Aston Martin Red Bull Racing. While offering the same Paddock Club highlights, they also offer a more team-centric experience of the race, including garage tours and meet and greets with drivers.
Something Extra
The Yas Island complex offers much more than just the race, with Warner Bros World and Ferrari World themed parks, and the Yas Water World Abu Dhabi water park. Grandstand tickets can be purchased with a Super Parks Pass included, which offers unlimited access to each of these sites from Wednesday through to Sunday. All grandstand options on our ticketing page offer this as an additional ticket option. Please note that if the ticket name does not mention the pass, it is not included.
Golden Circle upgrades are available for those wanting to get up close to the post-concerts. This pre-purchased wrist band allows the wearer into the premium area in front of the stage at the concert. These can be purchased from £48 per day.
Something quite unique to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is the Grand Prix Brunch. Hosted at the circuit on the Friday, this special session allows you to watch Practice 1 and 2 from the Marina Grandstand trackside balcony, with an international lunch buffet and unlimited alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages served at your table. The Grand Prix Brunch is available for £286 per person.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will run from Thursday 28th November to Sunday 1st December. To visit our dedicated Motorsport Live Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix page. Our knowledgeable Customer Service Team are also waiting to assist you with any queries. Simply call +44 (0)208 730 9780.
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