Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is a Formula One motor race. It was announced in early 2007 at the Abu Dhabi F1 Festival in the United Arab Emirates. The first race took place on 1 November 2009, held at the Hermann Tilke designed Yas Marina Circuit.
On 25 June 2008 the FIA announced the provisional Formula One calendar including the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as the 19th and final race of the season on 15 November. On 5 November 2008, however, it was announced that the race would be held as the season finale on 1 November, two weeks before the initially planned date, as the 17th and final race.
The inaugural race was Formula One's first ever day–night race, starting at 17:00 local time. Floodlights used to illuminate the circuit were switched on from the start of the event to ensure a seamless transition from daylight to darkness. Subsequent Abu Dhabi Grands Prix have also been day–night races.
History
Origin
Formula 1 first came to Abu Dhabi in 2007 in the guise of the first ever Formula One Festival. Announced in January 2007, the event which took place on 3 February 2007 was free, and the largest gathering of current Formula One cars and drivers outside of a Grand Prix. At the festival it was announced that Abu Dhabi had won the rights to host a Grand Prix from 2009 until 2016. Later that year, Etihad Airways negotiated a three-year deal for them to become sponsors of the Grand Prix.Inaugural Grand Prix (2009)
For the season, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was added to the schedule. It was provisionally announced as being held on 15 November 2009, as the 19th and final Grand Prix of the season. Both the Canadian Grand Prix and French Grand Prix were later removed from the provisional schedule, and as a result the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was moved to 1 November 2009 where it would become the last of 17 meetings. In August 2009, it was announced that the start time would be 17:00 local time, and that the race would be floodlit. The race was won by Sebastian Vettel for Red Bull Racing.2010
For the season, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was held on the Yas Marina Circuit, for the weekend of 12, 13, 14 November 2010. The Drivers' Championship was decided in Abu Dhabi for the first time. With championship leader Fernando Alonso losing out and Sebastian Vettel completing his second consecutive win on this track, the young German driver subsequently sealed the world championship.2011
The 2011 Grand Prix was the 18th and penultimate race of the 2011 FIA Formula One World Championship, and took place on 13 November.The race was won by Lewis Hamilton in a McLaren-Mercedes. Second was Fernando Alonso in a Ferrari, with Jenson Button coming third in a McLaren-Mercedes. Sebastian Vettel, in a Red Bull-Renault, had been on pole position, but retired after a puncture on the first lap whilst going round the second corner.
2012
Championship leader Sebastian Vettel finished the race in 3rd position after starting from the pitlane, due to his disqualification from qualifying due to not having enough fuel to return to parc fermé. His main championship rival Fernando Alonso finished 2nd behind the Finnish driver Kimi Räikkönen, who won for the first time after his return to Formula One earlier in 2012.2013
The race was won by Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull Racing for the third time, leading every lap. Having clinched their fourth consecutive Drivers' and Constructors' Championships respectively at the Indian Grand Prix, the team celebrated their achievements in Abu Dhabi with David Coulthard performing some doughnuts on the helipad of the Burj Al Arab luxury hotel in Dubai, above ground level.2014
The 2014 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix took place on 23 November and was the concluding race of the 2014 FIA Formula One World Championship.Double points were awarded for the race, which was won by Lewis Hamilton, securing his second Drivers' Championship.
2015
The 2015 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was held on 29 November 2015. The race was won by Nico Rosberg making it three wins in a row with Lewis Hamilton and Kimi Räikkönen completing the podium.2016
The 2016 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was held on 27 November 2016. The race was won by Lewis Hamilton making it four wins in a row with Nico Rosberg and Sebastian Vettel completing the podium and Rosberg securing his first Drivers' Championship.2017
The 2017 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was held on 26 November 2017. The race was won by Valtteri Bottas, with Lewis Hamilton in second and Sebastian Vettel completing the podium.2018
The 2018 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was held on 25 November 2018. The race was won by Lewis Hamilton, with Sebastian Vettel in second and Max Verstappen completing the podium. This was also the final career race of Fernando Alonso.2019
The 2019 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was held on 1 December 2019. The race was won by six-time champion Lewis Hamilton, with Max Verstappen in second and Charles Leclerc in third.Circuit
The Yas Marina Circuit was designed by Hermann Tilke and is located on Yas Island – a island on the east coast of Abu Dhabi – and the 2009 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was the first major event to take place on the circuit.Gallery
Official names
- 2009–present: Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Winners
Repeat winners (drivers)
Drivers in bold are competing in the Formula One championship in the current season.| Wins | Driver | Years won |
| 5 |  Lewis Hamilton | 2011, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019 |
| 3 |  Sebastian Vettel | 2009, 2010, 2013 |
Repeat winners (constructors)
Teams in bold are competing in the Formula One championship in the current season.| Wins | Constructor | Years won |
| 6 |  Mercedes | 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 |
| 3 |  Red Bull | 2009, 2010, 2013 |
Repeat winners (engine manufacturers)
Manufacturers in bold are competing in the Formula One championship in the current season.| Wins | Manufacturer | Years won |
| 7 | Mercedes | 2011, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 |
| 4 |  Renault | 2009, 2010, 2012, 2013 |