Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: Everything you need to know about tickets and the 2018 race weekend

Your essential guide to tickets and F1 after-race concerts at Yas Marina Circuit in November

The 10th Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is the final race of the Formula One season and one of the biggest events on the UAE calendar.

Beyond the motorsport action, social events and concerts take over the capital, making the F1 weekend a highlight of the winter months.

Below is everything you need to know about the 10th anniversary Abu Dhabi Grand Prix so far. We will bring you more as the organisers release further details, helping you shape your race weekend.

When and where is the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?

The 2018 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will take place from November 22-25 at Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi.

The circuit is 5.5km long and drivers will complete 55 laps.

Formula One schedule for Abu Dhabi

Friday November 23

1pm First practice (90 minutes)

5pm Second practice (90 minutes)

Saturday November 24

2pm Final practice (60 minutes)

5pm Qualifying (split into three parts over 60 minutes)

Sunday November 25

5pm Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (55 laps)

(all start times UTC +4)

How do I get tickets and how much are they?

Update on November 15: All tickets now sold out.

They cost between Dh1,250 for the Grand Prix Brunch package on the Friday of the weekend, to Dh21,395 for access to the Paddock Club for all three days, with entrance to the brilliant Yas Waterworld and Ferrari World included.

Once you buy a ticket you can collect them from your nominated point. You can also pick tickets 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 grandstand.

Registration for Kids Go Free must be completed before 11pm November 21.

Kids 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.

Tickets are limited, so it is best to buy soon to avoid disappointment. You can get tickets here.

What are the best seats to book?

Veteran race-goers all have their favourite spots. Generally the Main Grandstand - at the thick of the action - is a great place to lap up the on-track atmosphere.

Many are fond of the West Grandstand - sadly already sold out.

How do I get to the Yas Marina Circuit?

There are three options: by car, taxi, Careem or Uber (the latter of which has just announced its return to Abu Dhabi). Going by car is the easiest because there will be plenty of parking and then shuttle buses which will take you directely to the race track. Taxi is another option but you'll need to possibly plan in advance when you're leaving 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. However, Careem will also have shuttle buggies and shuttles to help those get around the circuit.

What's a lap around the circuit like?

See for yourself. We tried out a part of the circuit to experience the thrill of motorsport. And you can too. Obviously not at the same time as Hamilton or Vettel, but check out our guide to track days in the UAE for times and costs.

Who is performing at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after-race concerts?

Thursday November 22: Post Malone

The dynamic American rapper, singer, songwriter and producer will open this year's Grand Prix. Post Malone's distinctive style, where he transcends genre, and his top-ten singles such as Rockstar, Psycho, Congratulations and I Fall Apart are sure to start the Grand Prix off with a bang.

Friday November 23: The Weeknd

Abel Makkonen Tesfaye, who is better known as The Weeknd, is a Canadian singer, songwriter and producer. His soulful jazz hip-hop sound has a universal appeal, gaining traction with people of all ages. Hit singles Can't Feel My Face and Starboy have had big commercial success.

Saturday November 24: Sam Smith

A soul singer with universal appeal, English singer-songwriter Sam Smith will make his regional debut on the Saturday night. Emerging as the vocal feature of Disclosure's single Latch, Smith had a series of subsequent hits including One Last Song, Money on My Mind and Stay with Me.

Sunday November 25: Guns N' Roses

Legends of rock, Guns N' Roses will close the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with a bang. The band approached the organisers about playing the show.

_________________

Read more:

F1 brunches to get revved up about ahead of the big race

House DJs Erick Morillo and Roger Sanchez to perform at Iris Yas Island F1 parties

French Montana and Nelly announced for Mad on Yas Island's Formula One 2018 parties

After party Amber Lounge will feature DJ Sigala and sparkling crystal theme

The Podium Lounge teams up with The Rich List for Abu Dhabi F1 after party

_________________

When are the after-race concerts, and how do you get tickets?

Concerts take place between November 22-25. They are 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 - 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 Thursday's, Saturday's and Sunday's concerts. One-day ticket holders can go to Thursday's and Friday's concerts.

Ticket holders need to collect wristbands from Yas Marina Circuit.

Listen to John Lickrish on the history of F1 concerts:

How is the F1 season shaping up?

On Sunday 29 October Lewis Hamilton claimed his fifth drivers' world championship at the Mexican Grand Prix, drawing level with Juan Manuel Fangio in the Formula One record books when he finished fourth behind a victorious Max Verstappen.

The 33-year-old Briton saw off his remaining championship rival Sebastian Vettel, who needed a victory in Mexico to remain in the race for the title ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Hamilton won again in Brazil.

Next up: Abu Dhabi.

The 55-lap race will see a number of milestones

• It will be double world champion Fernando Alonso's final race before he retires from the series
• Kimi Raikkonen competes for the last time for Ferrari before the 2007 world champion departs to Sauber
• Abu Dhabi is the end of the line for Daniel Ricciardo's time at Red Bull Racing before he moves to Renault

__________

Read more:
Brazil and Abu Dhabi give Lewis Hamilton chance to end the one anomaly of his F1 career

It was Lewis Hamilton's best season but his Formula One dominance sees no signs of abating

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be an 'exciting event' even if Lewis Hamilton arrives as champion, says Yas Marina Circuit chief

Mercedes team orders in Russia to avoid being 'the idiot in Abu Dhabi' were the right move

WATCH: This is what it is like to race around the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix circuit