Formula 1 Abu Dhabi GP 2023: Everything you need to know

The Abu Dhabi GP marks the conclusion of the 2023 F1 season this weekend, offering a thrilling finale with various titles and the last race victory of the year still in contention. The race will take place on the Yas Marina Cicuit.

A gem in Abu Dhabi’s landscape, the 5.554-kilometer Yas Marina Circuit held its first Grand Prix in 2009, marking the inception of twilight races in Formula One. Designed by Hermann Tilke, the track features nine right turns, 12 left turns, and stands as one of the few anti-clockwise circuits on the calendar.

Noteworthy for its unique features, the circuit runs alongside the purpose-built marina, passes beneath the luxurious Yas Viceroy hotel, and aligns with the impressive 60-meter sun tower. The pit lane exit even crosses underneath the circuit, creating a distinctive design.

Crafted for thrilling races, the circuit combines high-speed stretches, lengthy straights, tight corners for overtaking, and a street circuit-style final sector. Amidst the challenges, the intense desert heat adds to the uniqueness of one of the season’s longest and most demanding tracks.

Remaining Battles at the F1 Abu Dhabi GP

While the podium positions in the 2023 F1 championship have been secured by Verstappen, Perez, and Hamilton, the competition for fourth place is gripping. Carlos Sainz and Fernando Alonso are tied with 200 points heading to Abu Dhabi, with Sainz holding the tiebreaker due to a race win. Lando Norris in the McLaren is just five points behind, and Charles Leclerc, at 188 points, remains a contender for a late climb in the standings.

In the constructor’s championship, Mercedes holds a slim four-point lead over Ferrari in the battle for second place, while McLaren maintains an 11-point advantage over Aston Martin in fourth. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix promises intense competition as these battles unfold on the track.

William’s Young Talent at Abu Dhabi

Williams Racing is gearing up for the final rookie Free Practice 1 session of 2023 in Abu Dhabi, featuring academy driver Zak O’Sullivan. F3 standouts O’Sullivan and Franco Colapinto, both members of the Williams Racing Driver Academy, will also share duties in the post-season Young Driver Test.

F1 regulations since 2022 mandate two FP1 outings for drivers with less than two Grands Prix under their belts. Williams utilized one with rookie Logan Sargeant in Bahrain, and O’Sullivan’s Abu Dhabi session completes the team’s rookie program. O’Sullivan, coming off a successful F3 season, expresses excitement about getting behind the wheel of the FW45.

Following the FP1 session, O’Sullivan and Colapinto will continue their development in the post-season rookie test. Both drivers, having demonstrated prowess in Formula 3, are set to play pivotal roles in Williams Racing’s future, with promotions to Formula 2 scheduled for 2024 with MP Motorsport and ART Grand Prix.

High-Stakes Auction at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Bonhams|Cars, in collaboration with Formula 1 Paddock Club, is set to host a landmark auction, “On the Grid: The Abu Dhabi Auction,” on November 25, 2023, at Yas Marina Circuit. With over 30 collector cars, the auction includes iconic F1 machines like the 1978 ex-Mario Andretti Lotus 79 and the 2006 ex-Kimi Raikkonen McLaren MP4/21.

Notable road cars, such as Fernando Alonso’s personal McLaren Elva, are also up for grabs. The event, starting at 2030 local time, will be both a live and global streaming experience, adding a unique dimension to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix festivities.

Ultimate F1 Experience Aboard MSC Virtuosa

Formula 1 and MSC Cruises have launched exclusive fan hospitality packages for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Onboard the MSC Virtuosa from November 23 to 27, fans can choose from cabin-only tickets to the complete F1 Experience, featuring premium, all-inclusive perks and exclusive track activities like a Pit Lane Walk and Guided Track Tour. MSC Virtuosa, serving as a floating hotel at the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal, offers luxurious amenities, including restaurants, bars, theaters, shopping, spa, gym, and more.

From November 23 to 27, MSC Virtuosa will be docked at the Abu Dhabi Cruise Terminal, transforming into a luxurious hotel for F1 fans. The cruise ship offers a range of hospitality packages, from cabin-only tickets to the comprehensive F1 Experience.

Diehard fans looking for the ultimate Formula 1 weekend can choose from various cabin+F1 Experience packages, offering exclusive trackside activities. Premium all-inclusive hospitality options, including Turn 1 Suite, Paddock Club, and Legend, provide exclusive insider access like Pit Lane Walk, Guided Track Tour on a flatbed truck, Formula 1 personnel appearances, and more. Sales for these packages are now open and can be booked through the official website.

For more updates, follow Khel Now on Facebook, Twitter, and Instagram; download the Khel Now Android App or IOS App and join our community on Telegram.