The excitement at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix wasn't found only on the track but in the sky too, as race-goers were treated to a spectacular flypast.
The sky was filled with streaks of red, white, green and black as Al Fursan aerial display team whizzed above Yas Marina Circuit in the UAE capital in their Aermacchi MB-339A jets.
They were joined by an Etihad Airways Boeing 787 Greenliner before the final race of the 2021 Formula One season began.
The GEnX engine powered 787 is about 15 to 20 per cent more fuel-efficient than similar aircraft and the Greenliner programme tests initiatives to reduce carbon emissions and improve sustainability for the whole aviation industry.
Al Fursan’s jets flew perfectly in tandem as they passed 180 metres above the starting grid in time with the end of the national anthem.
The team have been a regular sight in the UAE skies, performing at National Day celebrations and Dubai Airshow.
This year’s Grand Prix was set to be one of the most exciting in the history of the sport, with drivers Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton level on points going into the race.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix race action - in pictures
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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
