If you didn’t know, this weekend (10th – 12th of December) is the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. It’s no secret that the finale is going to be an exciting one, with both of the championship leaders, Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen, on equal points for the final race of the season.
Last weekend we saw the Formula 1 Championship go to Jeddah Corniche Circuit, with non-stop action throughout. The race had 2 red flags within 16 laps, and several incidents that caused 5 drivers to not finish the race. This now leads us into this weekends race, which is hosted here in Abu Dhabi on Yas Island.
Previous Years
Formula 1 first raced in Abu Dhabi in 2009 and has raced there ever since with Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel being the only drivers to get repeat wins at the track. In 2020 we saw Max Verstappen take his first win at Yas Marina Circuit, but will he make it onto the list of repeat winners and win the 2021 Championship this weekend?
The Track
This year we see changes to the Yas Marina circuit, track alterations include replacing turns four, five and six – a chicane and hairpin – with a single, quicker corner. Then also removing a sequence of slow bends from turns 11 to 14 with another fast left-hander, and easing turns 17 to 20. Because of the changes, 3 additional laps have been added this year, making it a more enjoyable race for spectators, after being criticized the track is ‘dreary’. Many drivers have shown support for the changes, including 8 times Grand Prix winner Daniel Ricciardo. Why not join the track chat on ASKWHO, and see what other people think?
Off-Track Entertainment
There’s so much to do during a race weekend, with off-track events taking place from Thursday-Sunday. On Thursday don’t miss out on a pit lane walk, it’s a great way to see the teams prepping the cars for the big race. Or watch the Thursday After-Race concert featuring Khalid. Off-track entertainment also includes food trucks, super park passes, game zones and live entertainment. See what other people at the event are up to over on ASKWHO.
The Races
Not only is there Formula 1 this weekend, but there is also Formula 2. Here’s the timetable…
| Formula 2 | Formula 1 |
|---|---|
| Friday | Friday |
| Practice Session 11:35 – 12:20 | Practice 1 13:30 – 14:30 |
| Qualifying 18:30 – 19:00 | Practice 2 17:00 – 18:00 |
| Saturday | Saturday |
| First Race (23 Laps or 45 Mins +1 Lap) 12:20 – 13:10 | Practice 3 14:00 – 15:00 |
| Second Race (23 Laps or 45 Mins +1 Lap) 18:45 – 19:35 | Qualifying 17:00 – 18:00 |
| Sunday | Sunday |
| Third Race (33 Laps or 60 Mins +1 Lap) 13:00 – 14:05 | Grand Prix (58 Laps or 120 Mins) 17:00 – 19:00 |
Host a Watch Party
The ticket price for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix can go all the way up to 4940 AED. But don’t worry, hosting a watch party at home can be just as fun. Why not invite your friends around, and wear your favourite team’s colours? Will you be wearing red for Ferrari, Orange for McLaren or something else? Share your party ideas on ASKWHO.
Get ASKWHO
Going alone, or want to host a watch party? Then download ASKWHO so you can chat to like-minded people – you may even find someone to watch the race with!
