Abu Dhabi to host Grand Prix until 2030 after signing extension with F1

Yas Marina Circuit will host championship-deciding race this Sunday

Staff from the Ferrari team inside the Yas Marina Circuit grounds ahead of the Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Photo: Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management

Formula One safety cars are transported to Yas Marina Circuit. Photo: Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management

A forklift truck moves items in the Yas Marina Circuit paddock. Photo: Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management

Trucks transport team equipment on the Yas Marina Circuit. Photo: Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management

Preparations for the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix began long before the teams arrived. A painter uses a machine to paint the track in November ahead of the F1 season finale. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Preparations and clean up at the Yas Marina Circuit, ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Preparations and clean up took place last month to get the Yas Marina Circuit ready for the finale F1 race of the season. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

A painter uses a paint machine to get the Yas Marina Circuit race ready. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Yas Marina Circuit saw some upgrades during preparations for the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Abu Dhabi will continue to host its annual grand prix until the end of the decade after Formula One announced it has renewed its contract with Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management (ADMM) until 2030.

The Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, held at the Yas Marina Circuit, has been a permanent fixture on the F1 calendar since 2009 and on Sunday will host the season-ending race in which either Lewis Hamilton or Max Verstappen will be crowned the 2021 world champion.

F1 chief executive and president Stefano Domenicali said: “We are delighted to confirm that we will be racing in Abu Dhabi until 2030 under this new agreement. We are hugely looking forward to the season finale this weekend when more Formula One history will be made.

“The promoter, ADMM, always creates an incredible show for the final race of every F1 season and combined with the changes made to improve the racing on the Yas Marina Circuit we are excited for many years of racing in Abu Dhabi that is ahead of us.”

Saif Al Noaimi, chief executive of ADMM, said: “The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and Yas Marina Circuit continue to introduce hundreds of millions of spectators and TV viewers to Abu Dhabi and the United Arab Emirates.

“The signing of a new multi-year deal with the Formula One Group not only represents the strength of our relationship but reaffirms our commitment to delivering an unparalleled and world-class race weekend experience for all visitors to enjoy.

Mercedes' Hamilton is bidding to make history this Sunday to become the series' only eight-time world champion.

Standing in his way is Red Bull driver Verstappen, who at age 24 is looking to win his first drivers' title.

The pair are tied on 369.5 points, meaning whoever finishes ahead will be crowned champion.

It is the fourth time the title will be decided under the floodlights of Yas Marina after 2010, 2014 and 2016.

Workers clean Yas Marina Circuit's main grandstand ahead of the Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2021. Victor Besa / The National

Workers get the grandstand ready for the grand prix that will be held from December 9 to 12. Victor Besa / The National

A worker oversees the clean-up operation. Victor Besa / The National

The UAE flag adorns Abu Dhabi Hill at the circuit. Victor Besa / The National

This year's grand prix takes place just after the UAE celebrates its 50th National Day. Victor Besa / The National

Thumbs up: the finishing touches are being made to the circuit. Victor Besa / The National

Yas Marina Circuit is set to welcome thousands of fans. Victor Besa / The National

Workers apply paint to the tarmac. Victor Besa / The National

The UAE flag is painted on Abu Dhabi Hill. Victor Besa / The National

The Yas Marina Circuit has been the home of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix since 2009. Victor Besa / The National

Paint is mixed before it's applied to the track. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

The Roadgrip Company paints the track using a special machine. Khushnum Bhandari / The National

Gallons of paint arrive at the track. Khushnum Bhandari/ The National

The turquoise Yas Marina Circuit logo is applied to the track. Khushnum Bhandari/ The National