F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2024
The 2024 Abu Dhabi will remain as the last race of the season, as it has been every year except for three years between 2011 and 2013. As many teams enter the race knowing where they will finish in terms of the standings, many like to experiment with new parts for the upcoming year, while for others it is their last chance to achieve their individual goals, both in the Drivers’ and Constructors’ Championship. Overtaking is not easy on certain parts of the track, but there will be opportunities for the drivers on the two long straights with the use of DRS.
Where is the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix held?
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is held on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. It is located in the North of the United Arab Emirates next to the Persian Gulf. The circuit was opened in 2009 and is visited by F1, F2, and endurance series such as the 24h Series and the Intercontinental GT Challenge series. Thanks to the country’s rising tourism, fans worldwide attend the event.
Abu Dhabi GP history
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has taken place on the Yas Marina Island 14 times, on two different layouts. The original layout was used from 2009 to 2020, and it was redesigned for 2021 and has been used onwards, making the track faster by around 10 seconds.
Lewis Hamilton has won at Abu Dhabi five times, and he is the most successful driver on the grid as well. Behind the Briton, Sebastian Vettel and Max Verstappen have three wins, with both securing their first world championship on the Yas Marina Island. Verstappen could overtake Hamilton on the final lap in 2021, while Vettel won the race in 2010 as Fernando Alonso got stuck behind Vitaliy Petrov. Valtteri Bottas is the only other driver on the grid to win a race in the United Arab Emirates.
Qualifying is important on the Yas Marina Circuit, as, from 2015 onwards, the driver starting in Pole Position has won each race. Lewis Hamilton has five Pole Positions, with Max Verstappen looking to chase him down in the upcoming years having started from P1 four times so far. Valtteri Bottas is the only other driver on the current grid to start a race from first place. Only three constructors, Mercedes, McLaren, and Red Bull have started on pole.
What time does the Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix 2024 start?
The 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix starts on Sunday, 8th December at 17:00 local time (13:00 UK time), as the sun goes down. There are first two 60-minute practice sessions take place on Friday, 6th December at 13:30 local time (09:30 UK time) and at 17:00 local time (13:00 Uk time). Qualifying will take place on Saturday, 7th December at 18:00 local time (14:00 UK time).
