First held in 2009 and running every year since, the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is set to return for three days of racing on the infamous 5.281-kilometre Yas Marina Circuit. Fans will once again be able to seek their thrills at the world's most prestigious motor racing competition between 5-8 December 2024.
The Formula 1 is a melting pot of action for lovers of motorsports and motor yachts and, on Sunday 8 December, the season will conclude with a 58-lap race around the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix track. As the event draws closer, the adrenaline is building as fans prepare for the familiar scent of burning rubber and the deafening screech of tires.
For superyacht goers, it's not just the berthside views or the Grand Prix party yachts that have their draw. Just a stone's throw from the jostling Abu Dhabi Grand Prix track, the celebrations continue with live entertainment from big names and party yachts galore.
From where and how to watch the F1 Abu Dhabi 2024 to the post-race entertainment, parties and hospitality, BOAT guides you through the action like a superyacht pro...
A history of the Yas Marina Circuit
Located just a 15-minute drive from Abu Dhabi International Airport (AUH), the Abu Dhabi F1 track was designed by Hermann Tilke. It debuted in the 2009 Formula 1 season finale, when Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel took the crown and, in years since, it has also seen the likes of Lewis Hamilton, Kimi Raikkonen, Nico Rosberg, Valtteri Bottas and Max Verstappen emerge as leaders of the pack.
Amongst slow-speed corners marking its beginning and end, the 1.2km straight between turns five and six is the pivot point for overtaking. F1 fans can also witness first-hand the challenging turns 10 and 11 into 12, which forces the drivers to brake hard with bags of lateral load still on the car. In 2021, the track was modified slightly from a 5.5km race track to the 5.28km you see today, adding to the Formula 1 excitement.
The best areas to watch the F1 in Abu Dhabi
With so many viewing options, working out where and how to watch the F1 Abu Dhabi race live can be difficult. Similar to Port Hercule at the Monaco Grand Prix, it's possible to hire a yacht and soak up berthside views for the full Yas Marina F1 yacht experience. Not all berths offer trackside views though, and those wanting to rent a yacht for the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 should consider this when choosing their luxury yacht charter package.
Yas Marina will be host to a fleet of superyachts with trackside berths, providing unparalleled views of the south circuit for those wanting to watch Abu Dhabi Grand Prix from a yacht. Understandably, these are the most coveted spots for immersing yourself in yacht hospitality and the berths are available for superyachts measuring between 35-60 metres.
Slightly further out from the action and more suited towards smaller yachts, there will also be non-track view berths available. Those wishing to soak up the fizz of the race weekend will be able to watch from the other grandstands and the large screens broadcasting the Formula 1.
Some of the largest superyachts (measuring more than 175 metres) will instead be accommodated in visitor berths outside the marina, which still offer views of the track. These slips are generally taken by larger private yachts.
The Yas Island party scene
With the range of Abu Dhabi Grand Prix yacht charters, party yachts and live music performances, the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is more than just a Formula 1 race event – and it all adds up to a pretty compelling package.
Located right next to Yas Marina Circuit at the Ethihad Park, previously called Du Arena, a range of music artists will take to the stage to conclude the F1 2024 season. On Thursday, Ava Max and Tiësto will kick off the Yasalam Thursday concert, while Shania Twain will centre in the spotlight on Saturday after qualifying. The Foo Fighters will conclude the Abu Dhabi GP post-race celebrations.
A particular highlight for spectators of the United Arab Emirates F1 is the range of Grand Prix party yachts. Where better to socialise with like-minded GP enthusiasts than on a superyacht? Whether hosting your own soiree or attending through an official Abu Dhabi F1 yacht hospitality package, the party scene is not to be missed.
Abu Dhabi's man-made Yas Island is also home to a range of cultural activities and motorsports fans can pay a visit to Ferrari World, which offers driving experiences and fittingly features the fastest rollercoaster in the world. Against the backdrop of the UAE-based F1 race circuit, visitors can also benefit from Yas Marina's waterside restaurants or even paddle between the hidden mangroves.