Formula One fans will now get to enjoy the spectacle of the season-ending Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in a new setting after the Yas Marina Circuit announced a new grandstand for the 2022 race.
Tickets for the Abu Dhabi GP went on sale earlier this year and following exceptionally high demand, Yas Marina Circuit’s capacity has been raised for the first time in eight years.
The new grandstand is located between turns five and six and will offer fans an awe-inspiring experience as the cars blast by on the circuit’s longest straight over the November 17-20 weekend.
The great vantage point will offer spectators a chance to enjoy the thrills of the race like last year where the championship was won by Max Verstappen in incredible circumstances after the season finale was reduced to a one-lap showdown in the final stretch.
Red Bull driver Verstappen snatched the F1 championship from Mercedes' Lewis Hamilton after the pair headed to the 2021 championship decider locked on 369.5 points.
The history-making 2021 race was one of the most watched sporting events of the year with 108 million viewers tuning in for the race.
The 2022 season promises similar drama and action following new rules that have already crated a stir. World champion Verstappen increased his lead in this year's title race as he clinched a thrilling victory in a closely-fought Canadian Grand Prix.
The 24-year-old Dutchman resisted intense late pressure from Ferrari's Carlos Sainz to win by under a second.
Seven-time world champion Hamilton, who has been struggling with a Mercedes car plagued by porpoising issues, came home third to claim his second podium of a difficult season ahead of teammate George Russell in fourth.
Verstappen thus moved 46 points clear of his rivals in the championship, which should make for another enthralling season finish.
Apart from the race, there will be a lot more for fans to enjoy. Etihad Park is also just a short walk away, giving access to the Yasalam After-Race Concerts.
Multi-Grammy nominated Swedish House Mafia were the first global superstars to be announced, headlining the Friday night concert.
For tickets and other information, visit: www.yasmarinacircuit.com.
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Race winner and 2021 F1 world champion Max Verstappen and his Red Bull Racing team celebrate on the podium after the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit on December 12, 2021. Victor Besa / The National -
Verstappen fought off Lewis Hamilton in a nail-biting finish. Victor Besa / The National -
Verstappen runs to celebrate with his team. Victor Besa / The National -
The Dutch driver clinched the race and the championship on the final lap. Victor Besa / The National -
Race fans cheer as Verstappen wins. Victor Besa / The National -
Verstappen enjoys that winning feeling. Reuters -
Verstappen drinks in the moment as Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton looks dejected after finishing second. Reuters -
Verstappen and Hamilton go head to head on the track. Victor Besa / The National -
An Etihad Airways flyover before the race. The airline sponsored the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Victor Besa / The National -
Verstappen in action. Victor Besa / The National -
Hamilton took an early lead. Victor Besa / The National -
Verstappen and Hamilton led the championship going into the final race. Victor Besa / The National -
The start of the race. Reuters -
Drivers pose for their end-of-season picture before the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. AP -
Aston Martin's Sebastian Vettel before the race. Reuters -
Fans of Verstappen and Hamilton before the race. Reuters -
Hamilton looks relaxed before the race. Reuters -
Verstappen looks like he means business. Reuters -
Hamilton soaks up the early atmosphere. Victor Besa / The National -
Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas with his girlfriend Tiffany Cromwell. Victor Besa / The National -
Verstappen arrives at the circuit with his girlfriend Kelly Piquet. Reuters -
Hamilton on the Yas Marina Circuit. AFP
