Formula One fans of all ages and nationalities are in Abu Dhabi for Formula One's season finale.
Ahead of Sunday's grand prix, Yas Marina Circuit welcomed petrolheads for the traditional public pitlane walk.
With the day’s limited programme reserved for practice sessions, visitors are given the opportunity to see the glimmering cars and team garages upfront as part of the walk.
Fans accessed the area during the afternoon and made their way through the garages of all 10 teams.
Popular sides such as Mercedes and Ferrari garnered the most attention and selfies, while small groups gathered around the spaces of F1 minnows such as Alfa Romeo and Haas.
Michael Mansour was found peering over the barriers of the latter team, who are on track to finish bottom of the Constructor Standings this season.
“It can be an amazing and lonely experience supporting this team,” he tells The National. “But this is what supporting the underdog is all about, right? It is about being with the team during the good times and the bad times, although this year it was mostly bad.”
The Dubai resident has been following the American side for three years. As someone who works in sales, Mansour says there is a lot to love about Haas.
“At the end of the day, Formula One is also about the people, from the drivers to the mechanics and team principles,” he says. “Each team is a family and each member has their own personalities and stories and this is what draws many of us to support our team.”
For Mexican couple Sonia and Jose Perez, the chance to see compatriot, Red Bull's Sergio Perez, race in their home city lured them to their first Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
“I have only been living in the UAE, here in Abu Dhabi, for a year and a half and already I can see how this is such an international city,” Sonia says. “The Mexican community here is actually quite strong and already I have been hearing so many Mexican accents in the pitlane and the stands.
“I don’t need to ask them who they are here for, we are with Sergio Perez all the way.”
South African couple Arendane and Refilwe Mauda came to Abu Dhabi from Johannesburg as neutral spectators.
“We actually went to the first grand prix of the season in Bahrain so we thought it would be great to see the last one,” says Arendane.
As for the joys of the pitlane walk, Refilwe says it is hard to explain to those unfamiliar with the sport.
“I love everything about it like hearing the engine roaring and even the sound of the drills,” she says.
“I think fans love it because we often see the races on television and so to see these cars right in front of you, you realise how amazing they are and how loud they can be.”
The Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix continues with further practice rounds on Friday, followed by the qualifying session on Saturday and Sunday's race.
Tips from the expert
Dobromir Radichkov, chief data officer at dubizzle and Bayut, offers a few tips for UAE residents looking to earn some cash from pre-loved items.
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UAE currency: the story behind the money in your pockets
Who is Mohammed Al Halbousi?
The new speaker of Iraq’s parliament Mohammed Al Halbousi is the youngest person ever to serve in the role.
The 37-year-old was born in Al Garmah in Anbar and studied civil engineering in Baghdad before going into business. His development company Al Hadeed undertook reconstruction contracts rebuilding parts of Fallujah’s infrastructure.
He entered parliament in 2014 and served as a member of the human rights and finance committees until 2017. In August last year he was appointed governor of Anbar, a role in which he has struggled to secure funding to provide services in the war-damaged province and to secure the withdrawal of Shia militias. He relinquished the post when he was sworn in as a member of parliament on September 3.
He is a member of the Al Hal Sunni-based political party and the Sunni-led Coalition of Iraqi Forces, which is Iraq’s largest Sunni alliance with 37 seats from the May 12 election.
He maintains good relations with former Prime Minister Nouri Al Maliki’s State of Law Coaliton, Hadi Al Amiri’s Badr Organisation and Iranian officials.
Timeline
2012-2015
The company offers payments/bribes to win key contracts in the Middle East
May 2017
The UK SFO officially opens investigation into Petrofac’s use of agents, corruption, and potential bribery to secure contracts
September 2021
Petrofac pleads guilty to seven counts of failing to prevent bribery under the UK Bribery Act
October 2021
Court fines Petrofac £77 million for bribery. Former executive receives a two-year suspended sentence
December 2024
Petrofac enters into comprehensive restructuring to strengthen the financial position of the group
May 2025
The High Court of England and Wales approves the company’s restructuring plan
July 2025
The Court of Appeal issues a judgment challenging parts of the restructuring plan
August 2025
Petrofac issues a business update to execute the restructuring and confirms it will appeal the Court of Appeal decision
October 2025
Petrofac loses a major TenneT offshore wind contract worth €13 billion. Holding company files for administration in the UK. Petrofac delisted from the London Stock Exchange
November 2025
180 Petrofac employees laid off in the UAE
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Tips to stay safe during hot weather
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