F1 weekend: where to watch the 2016 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Aside from the grandstands, there are a variety of places around Yas Island where you can catch the racing action.

The Formula One Paddock Club at Yas Marina Circuit. Courtesy Yas Marina Circuit

Whether you prefer to picnic with the kids, soak up the atmosphere in a Jacuzzi on a yacht, or sit so close to the track that you can smell the fumes, Jessica Hill’s got you covered for the best options to watch the region’s biggest racing event, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

From a yacht

The waters of Yas Marina will be teeming with yachts. As well as the mega-yachts belonging to the super-rich, there are others that can be rented out for the weekend, mainly for corporate-hospitality events. Leasing business Eden Yachting still has several available, including a 35-metre (tri deck) and a 26m yacht, both of which boast views of the track. Prices range from Dh220,000 to Dh2 million (including berthing). “These can host lavish parties in the most luxurious surroundings,” says managing partner Jane Daly. “Tri-deck yachts are always popular because they have an excellent view of the track. There are also some smaller yachts with large flybridges, which are great for entertaining.”

With the stars

F1 party specialists Amber Lounge is selling tickets for its 30-metre yacht, where you can watch the race and mingle with celebrity VIPs, as well as F1 drivers past and present. Former guests have included Rachel Hunter and Pixie Lott. A two-day package, with ­access to the F1 concerts, lunch and an open champagne and spirits bar, costs US$4,950 (Dh18,184).

With a meal

Italian restaurant Cipriani and Mediterranean Diabolito both offer a look at the racing action across the water from their outdoor à la carte dining seats. Diabolito’s two-storey rooftop has the best views.

At the Paddock Club

This is where the movers and shakers of the business world rub shoulders with the rich, the famous, and the F1 racing elite. All 21 grand prix around the world boast a Paddock Club, but with 7,500 seats spread across three floors, Abu Dhabi’s is “well in excess of anyone else”, according to Nick McElwee, Yas Marina Circuit’s sales and marketing director. There are bars and food stations with a relaxed ambience on the rooftop, whereas downstairs features corporate and syndicated suites with dinner tables set for 8 to 10. Three-day Paddock-Club access will set you back Dh20,000.

While Brunching

McElwee says the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is the only grand prix in the world where you can brunch while watching the race live. Although the Extreme Brunch on the Trackside Terrace and the Grand Prix brunch at the Marina Grandstand are sold out, seats can still be reserved for the trackside brunch at Origins in the Yas Viceroy Hotel, which costs Dh370 excluding taxes. The hotel also has two à la carte restaurants offering terraces with views of the track: Kazu, which serves Japanese cuisine (Dh545 excluding taxes), and Atayeb (Dh370 excluding taxes) if you prefer Arabian food.

From your own suite

If you have Dh120,000 to spare, you can book a 1,564 square foot “Island suite” at Yas Viceroy Hotel for four nights, including dinner, and spend the race sipping champagne while enjoying panoramic views of the track from a private, wraparound balcony.

From up top

The highest point from which to watch the race is the trackside terrace on the seventh floor of the circuit’s HQ building, which offers sweeping views over Abu Dhabi Hill, the royal tower and the marina. With dining on the first floor and a balcony overlooking the track, it is the perfect spot to catch Sunday’s post-race fireworks. Tickets for Saturday and Sunday go for Dh9,150.

With the kids

According to Joanna Bates, Yas Marina Circuit’s head of event management, the North Grandstand is the best option for families. “The nearby North Oasis has a relaxed vibe, a cultural and heritage display and children’s play areas. Also, the Majlis in our F1 village (adjacent to the Main Grandstand) features a children’s area with arts-and-crafts activities and cultural entertainment.”

With the family

For a more casual F1 affair, pack your picnic rugs and beanbags and head to Abu Dhabi hill, in the centre of the circuit. All of this year’s F1 tickets also include free access to Yas Waterworld and Ferrari world, as well as the F1 after-race concerts, which means these relatively inexpensive seats (Dh995 for three days) offer particularly good value. They are also a great option for those with young children who do not like to sit still.