Where to Watch the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: Yas Marina Circuit Track & Grandstand Guide
Although you won't hear "It's lights out and away we go" for a few more months, there's a lot to be excited about when it comes to the 2025 Formula 1 Grand Prix, even if it hasn't started yet. For one, everyone’s pumped up to see Lewis Hamilton get behind the wheel of a Ferrari. The seven-time F1 champion made the jump to Scuderia Ferrari after driving for Mercedes for the last 12 years.
This season, we'll also get to see six rookie drivers on the grid—the most in over a decade. Of course, everyone’s brimming with anticipation to see if Max Verstappen will earn his fifth championship title or if another driver will be crowned champion.
If you want to be part of the F1 action this year, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is the one to watch. It’s the season’s final race and one of the biggest events in Abu Dhabi, packed with concerts, meet and greets, and games. And with plenty of great spots around the track to watch the race, you’ll definitely have the time of your life as you experience the thrill only Formula One offers.
Best Views of the F1 Race at the Yas Marina Circuit
If you’re planning to watch this year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, here’s an overview of the different grandstands on the Yas Marina track where you can watch the race:
1. Main Grandstand
The Main Grandstand is the place for the best views of the race start, pit stops, and post-race podium celebrations. The Main Grandstand sits on the main straight and is located opposite the team garages. It has four sections, the highest of which are the Main Premium and Main Premium Plus.The Main Premium Plus also faces the podium. Here, you’ll feel the buzz of anticipation as you wait for the red lights to go out. You’ll see the action as the cars vie for position as they head into Turn 1.
From this spot, you can watch each team's pit crew change the tires and do other things with impressive speed and accuracy. You can also catch glimpses of celebrities hanging out at the team garages. At the end of the race, you’ll have exceptional views of the drivers performing celebratory donuts as well as the awarding and festivities on the podium. If you want to be in the heart of the race action from start to finish, the Main Grandstand is the best place to be at the Abu Dhabi F1 circuit.
2. North Grandstand
As one of Yas Marina’s biggest grandstands, the North Grandstand offers spectators spectacular sights of the cars navigating the Turn 5 hairpin, a popular area for overtaking. Turn 5 also holds a spot in F1 history as the spot where Max Verstappen passed Lewis Hamilton to clinch the 2021 championship title. When you choose a seat next to the hairpin, you’ll also have front-row access to the start of the first DRS zone. It’s an incredible place to watch the cars speed up and get into some action-packed racing. This part of the Abu Dhabi F1 track gives you quick access to Etihad Park, where the post-race concerts take place if you have a ticket to this event.
3. Marina Grandstand
The Marina Grandstand gives you that unique Circuit de Monaco vibe with its amazing sights of the beautiful Yas Marina and the impressive yachts moored here. Sitting here lets you see the cars enter a long straight after navigating Turns 8, 9, and 10. Turn 9 is a popular overtaking spot, so keep your eyes peeled for some exciting passes. You’ll also see the cars pass through Turns 15, 16, and 17 before disappearing through the W Hotel Abu Dhabi – the only hotel atop an F1 race track.
4. West Grandstand
The West Grandstand is another sought-after spot at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix track. It offers clear sightlines of the cars as they navigate Turns 8 and 9. Since the straight line is a DRS zone, expect plenty of wheel-to-wheel action as the drivers vie for points. Some seats in this grandstand offer views of the track’s final corner and main straight. You can see the pit entry from this area as well.
5. South Grandstand
This grandstand is located along the long straight between Turns 10 and 11, near the apex of Turn 11. From this spot, you can watch the cars show off their straight-line speeds and engage in some wheel-to-wheel action. The South Grandstand, which is the last grandstand in the Yas Marina circuit, offers full views of the cars as they brake to navigate turn 11. You’ll also have panoramic sights of Yas Marina while watching the cars go by. Opt for a VIP package if you want to splurge and enjoy premium seats, panoramic views, and other inclusive experiences at the Yas Marina track.
The Yas Marina Circuit
Located on Yas Island, the Abu Dhabi Yas Marina Circuit covers an impressive length of 5.554 km. The track was designed by the renowned German racing driver and circuit designer Hermann Tilke. The track was completed in October 2009 and hosted its first F1 race in November of the same year, which was the season finale. The winner was four-time Formula One World champion Sebastian Vettel.
Here are some must-know facts about the circuit:
- Circuit length: 5.554 km
- Race distance: 305. 355 km
- Number of laps: 55
- Maximum speed: 339kph (210.645 mph)
Lewis Hamilton currently holds the fastest lap record of 1:39.283, a time he set in 2019.
Aside from the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, these motorsports events also take place at the Yas Marina Circuit:
- Emirates Drift Championship
- Yas Super Street Challenge
- Yas Motor Majlis
- Yas Roll Race Challenge
- Yas Racing Series
- UAE Rotax Max Challenge
- Lenovo Gulf 12 Hour
The race track’s highlight is the 1.2km straight between Turns 7 and 8 where many overtaking actions take place. Some of the turns and features were modified in 2021 to make the races more exciting.
Watch the Race Without Leaving Your Hotel
Since the W Hotel Abu Dhabi sits on top of the Yas Marina Circuit, it’s another great spot to watch the F1 race. Find a seat on the terrace overlooking the Abu Dhabi Formula 1 track and watch the cars speed by as you sip your choice of beverage. For more food and drink options, head to the Garage restaurant, where you’ll also have great views of the circuit. Staying at this five-star hotel immerses you in the exhilarating race day buzz while letting you enjoy it in a relaxing vibe.