Abu Dhabi GP

F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2021

Plans to develop Yas Island were announced in 2006 in an attempt to make the location a tourist destination, with particular focus placed on creating a race track. The 5.5km ultramodern Yas Marina Circuit debuted in 2009, with several eye-catching facilities built on the man-made island.

The marina area harkens back to the walls of Monte Carlo, while part of the circuit actually passes under the Yas Viceroy Abu Dhabi Hotel. All of the grandstands are covered to protect spectators from the blistering desert sun, while the pit building features 40 air-conditioned garages to keep teams cool despite the pressure to perform.

As for the track, passing has proven to be difficult with track position and a balanced car key to victory. Although the track features a 1.2km long straight between Turns 7 and 8, much of the track is composed of mostly medium or slow speed corners which makes the Yas Marina circuit a technical challenge for all the drivers on the grid.

Inaugural Abu Dhabi GP

Initially planned to be the 19th and final race of the 2009 F1 season, the Abu Dhabi GP was moved up by two weeks following the cancellation of the Canadian and French Grands Prix.

Jenson Button entered the race having already clinched the World Championship in Brazil, with Brawn GP having also been declared Constructors' Champion at the same event.

Lewis Hamilton started on pole but retired due to a brake failure, opening the door for Sebastian Vettel to lead a Red Bull 1-2 finish ahead of Mark Webber. Button rounded out the podium for Brawn GP.

The race marked the final F1 appearances for Kazuki Nakajima and Giancarlo Fisichella, along with Brawn GP, BMW Sauber and Toyota.

Abu Dhabi GP plays host to title decider

The following year saw the 2010 F1 World Championship decided at the Yas Marina Circuit for the first time.

Ferrari's Fernando Alonso entered the race as championship leader, eight and 15 points up on Red Bull duo Mark Webber and Vettel. Hamilton was also mathematically still in contention, however the McLaren driver was 24 points behind the Spaniard.

Vettel started from pole ahead of Hamilton and Alonso, with the Ferrari driver getting off the line slow. Early pit stops for Webber and Alonso ultimately ended their title bids, with Vettel taking the chequered flag to become the youngest World Champion at 23 years and 134 days. Hamilton and Button rounded out the podium for McLaren.

The event also marked the last race for Bridgestone as the sole tyre supplier, with Pirelli taking over for the 2011 season, having last competed in the sport back in 1991.

Another F1 title decider in 2014

Kimi Raikkonen won the 2012 edition of the race, his first since making his F1 return earlier in the year, while Vettel led every lap to take his third win in Abu Dhabi in 2013.

The 2014 race was the final round of the season, with the World Championship on the line. For the first time ever, double points were awarded for the event. The change wasn't well received in the months leading up to the race, and the system turned out to be a one-off.

Hamilton topped the first two practice sessions, however it was teammate Nico Rosberg who finished with the fastest time in third practice and qualifying.

Needing only a second-place finish to win his second title, Hamilton took the chequered flag ahead of Williams duo Felipe Massa and Valtteri Bottas.

Hamilton loses out on F1 title in 2016

The 2016 F1 season came down to the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi, with Mercedes teammates Hamilton and Rosberg battling it out for top spot.

The German entered the race with a 12 point lead over the Briton, while Mercedes had already clinched the Constructors' Championship thanks to a 226 points lead over Red Bull.

Although Hamilton started from pole and eventually won the race, Rosberg's second-place finish was enough to clinch his maiden Drivers' Championship.

It would prove to be his only F1 title, as Rosberg announced his retirement from the sport a week later.

Most successful F1 drivers and teams

Hamilton leads the way with eight wins at the Yas Marina Circuit, while Vettel is the only other repeat winner with three victories. Kimi Raikkonen, Nico Rosberg, Valtteri Bottas and Max Verstappen have all won the Abu Dhabi GP on one occasion.

As far as constructors, Mercedes have won the race six times with Red Bull second on four wins. Lotus and McLaren have won the event once each.

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2020

Max Verstappen dominated the event, taking pole ahead of Valtteri Bottas and leading every lap of the race en route to his second win of the season.

Bottas and Lewis Hamilton rounded out the podium while Lando Norris and Carlos Sainz came home in fifth and sixth, securing McLaren’s third place finish in the Constructors’ Championship ahead of Racing Point.

When is the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on the F1 calendar?

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is scheduled to take place on the weekend of 10-12 December and will be the 22nd race of the Formula 1 season. The first two free practice sessions will take place on December 10 with qualifying on Saturday 11 December at 13:00 GMT.

What time does the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix start?

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix starts on Sunday 12 December 2021 at 13:00 GMT. The race can be followed live on RacingNews365’s live blog and watched on F1 TV.