GET ON TRACK
▶ Sophie Prideaux offers a guide to everything you need to know for the return of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – one of the biggest events on the UAE’s calendar – is set to return to the capital for its 11th year later this month. As well as the on-track action and four concerts, there will be plenty of race weekend events taking place across the city. Here’s what you need to know.
How is F1 season shaping up?
On Sunday, November 3, Lewis Hamilton claimed his sixth world championship at the US Grand Prix in Austin, Texas. The Briton, 34, only needed to finish in eighth place to secure the win but, true to form, he fought to the final flag, forcing his own teammate off the track and finishing second to Valtteri Bottas.
Hamilton has now won twice as many titles as the next best British driver Jackie Stewart, and is closing in on the same tally as Alain Prost (4) and Ayrton Senna (3) put together.
The penultimate race of the season will take place in Brazil on Sunday, November 17, before the season closer in Abu Dhabi the following weekend.
When and where is the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?
The 2019 Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will take place from Friday, November 29, to Sunday, December 1, at Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.
The circuit is 5.55 kilometres and drivers will complete 55 laps, making the race just more than 300km. The first practise will be at 1pm on Friday, November 29, and lasts 90 minutes; the second practise will take place at 5pm that same day. The final practice is on Saturday, November 30, at 2pm for 60 minutes, while the qualifying round is at 5pm, and is split into three parts over 60 minutes. The Grand Prix will start at 5pm the following day.
How do I get tickets and how much are they?
Tickets vary in price from Dh1,250 for the Grand Prix Brunch package on Friday, to Dh21,395 for access to the Paddock Club for all three days, with entrance to the island’s attractions, including Yas Waterworld and Ferrari World.
Many of the early-bird packages for the Grand Prix have sold out; however, there are a few ticket options still available. Marina Grandstand, South Grandstand, North Grandstand, South Club, Main Club and Yas Club are still available from www.ticketsyasmarinacircuit.com.
Once you buy a ticket you can collect them from your nominated point. You can also pick them up from the ticket office during race week. If you buy a three-day Grandstand ticket, one child under 12 will get free Friday access to the selected stand. Pre-registration for Kids Go Free is required. Children registered for the day will get access to grandstand “free seating” when accompanied by an adult, all entertainment areas including the F1 FanZone and the Friday Public Support Pit Lane Walk. They will also get free entry to Yas Island Parks if they are a Super Parks Pass holder.
What are the best seats to book?
Veteran racegoers all have their favourite spots. Generally the Main Grandstand – which is in the thick of the action – is a great place to lap up the ontrack atmosphere. Many are also fond of the West Grandstand, while plenty of others enjoy the more relaxed atmosphere on Abu Dhabi Hill.
How should I get to Yas Marina Circuit?
Yas Island can become jammed with traffic over race weekend, especially on race day itself. It’s important to plan ahead and give yourself plenty of time to get there, whether by car, taxi, Careem or Uber. Going by car is the easiest option because there will be plenty of parking; shuttle buses will take you directly to the racetrack. Taxi is another option, but you’ll need to plan in advance when you’re leaving so as to not be caught in a giant queue. Careem and Uber are also available, but they can be tricky because they’ll only have so many cars available each day.
Tell me more about the after-race concerts
The Yasalam After-Race Concerts take place between Thursday, November 28, and Sunday, December 1. They will be held at du Arena on Yas Island, next to Gate 25 of Yas Marina Circuit. All race ticket holders will have access to the Thursday night concert.
Access to the other concerts depends on your tickets. The after-race concerts are exclusive to ticket holders, meaning it is not possible to buy tickets individually. Three-day ticket holders will have access to all four concerts; two-day holders can go to the Thursday, Saturday and Sunday concerts. One-day ticket holders can go to Thursday’s and Friday’s concerts. All ticket holders will need to collect concert wristbands from Yas Marina Circuit.
Who will be performing at these shows?
Thursday, November 28
DJ Marshmello – real name Christopher Comstock – is one of the world’s biggest names in electronic dance music. With a string of multi-platinum hits, the internationally recognised DJ has had a number of high-profile collaborations with the likes of Bastille, Selena Gomez, Anne-Marie and Khalid. The artist will make his Abu Dhabi debut having headlined Dubai’s RedFestDxb in February last year, a gig The National reported as having “had the crowd leaping in the air from the moment he arrived on stage”.
Friday, November 29
US rapper Travis Scott will take the stage as part of his extensive world tour, during which he performed as part of the NFL Super Bowl half-time show. Known for his explosive stage presence, Scott will perform hits from his third album, Astroworld, one of last year’s biggest rap releases. Scott is no stranger to the Emirati capital and the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. His coming show will be his second appearance at the event, having headlined Beats on The Beach in 2016.
Saturday, November 30
Lana Del Rey will make her UAE debut at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. In addition to her smouldering hits Summertime Sadness and Born to Die, the artist recently released her sixth album, Norman
[expletive] Rockwell, a record containing more colour and groove than her normal compositions.
Sunday, December 1
Las Vegas rockers The Killers will perform at the race-day concert fresh from a summer of headlining festivals around the world. With five studio albums under their belts, and plenty of sing-a-long anthems including Mr Brightside and
When We Were Young, they are set to put on a huge show that will see the weekend out in style.
F1 brunches and after-parties
If you want to make the most of the weekend’s festivities, the capital’s many restaurants and hotels are preparing to host a number of before and after-race parties. Here are some of the biggest.
Hidden Race Weekend at Iris Yas Island
Dubai’s Hidden Brunch will take over Iris on Yas Island for three luxurious brunches from 1pm to 4pm. Taking place on Friday, November 29, Saturday, November 30 and Sunday, December 1, the marina-side bar will be buzzing with prerace celebrations. The newly refurbished venue offers spectacular views over Yas Marina, set to the roar from nearby Yas Marina Circuit. On Friday and Saturday, the sparkling brunch packages start from Dh499 for women, including an international buffet and entrance to the after-party.
On race day, packages will start from Dh599 for women and Dh799 for premium and house beverages.
Secret Parties at the new W Abu Dhabi
The trackside Yas Hotel will officially be transforming into W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island in time for race weekend. To celebrate, it is teaming up with luxury Dubai events companies Inside Lifestyle and Secret Parties to host a series of brunches with unparalleled access to the race.
Taking place on the Royal Rich List Terrace, the brunches will include unlimited food and premium beverages, as well as access to the Marina Grandstand and a ticket to the after-race concert. There is also the option to upgrade to the gold package, which offers access to the Inside Lifestyle VIP area, giving you premium track views.
The brunches will take place on Friday, November 29, Saturday, November 30 and Sunday, December 1, with live entertainment from DJs Hardeep, Nicky Cartel, Chris Wright,
Jon Besant and Danny Whitlock. On Friday and Saturday, packages start from Dh1,500 for brunch, race access and the after-race concert, while the gold package costs Dh2,000. On race day, packages start from Dh3,700, and Dh4,200 for the gold package.
Candypants Yas Island takeover
Popular party planners Candypants have gone all out this year with race weekend plans. Back for its third year, the Social Pit Lane brunch will take over Casa De Cuba for a four-hour, all-inclusive brunch every day between Thursday, November 28 and Sunday, December 1. There will be unlimited beverages and food on offer from 8pm to 11pm on the Thursday night, and 1pm to 4pm from Friday to Sunday. Brunch packages start from Dh499 between Thursday and Saturday, while race-day prices start from Dh699.
For those who really want a race weekend to remember, Candypants is hosting a Trackside Mega Yacht Party. This will offer partygoers 12 hours of premium food and drink from noon until midnight from Friday, November 29 to Sunday, December 1. Prices start from Dh1,990.
However, if 12 hours sounds too much, you can also board the yacht for the after-race party, taking place between 8pm and midnight from Friday to Sunday, for Dh499.