Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Travel Guide
Yas Marina, Abu Dhabi
27th - 29th November 2020
The futuristic spectacle of Yas island is the backdrop for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and what was the first dusk race in F1. Stylish, head-turning, or just plain garish – Yas Island is some kind of cross between Monaco and Disneyland on acid. There’s plenty to keep you entertained at this 1.3bn dollar venue, Grand Prix or not. And for many fans it’s not always about watching what’s happening on the track that they relish and return for year on year, but the many and varied distractions away from the track; concerts, parties, shopping, restaurants, the beach, and of course guaranteed sunshine.
But Abu Dhabi has the great circuit views to match all this, the venue being designed from the ground up with the track-side spectator in mind.
Abu Dhabi has certainly earned its place as a hot destination for F1 fans and one that offers something a little different to other venues.
The downside? Typically the tickets are some of the most expensive F1 tickets out there, but fans can at least plan a trip to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, confident that they are sure of a good time.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix F1 Spectator Tips
- Be aware that taxis are notoriously hard to get, especially after the Grand Prix, so plan accordingly.
- If you’re thinking of staying in Dubai, forget it. Being in Abu Dhabi makes the commute much easier and you’ll be closer to the entertainment that accompanies the Grand Prix
- There aren’t that many grandstands at Yas Marina, but the ones that there are, are massive. Have a walk around and explore views from different parts of your grandstand.
Quick Facts and must-have Information
| Currency | UAE dirham (AED) |
| Time | UTC +4 |
| Language | Arabic |
It will come as no surprise to learn the weather in Abu Dhabi is generally hot and sunny, being a desert and all, though when the race takes place (usually in November) temperatures are more moderate. It’s still a short sleeves and sandals trip but conditions are quite comfortable.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Track Schedule 2019
| THURSDAY 28th NOVEMBER | ||
| Formula 1 | Press Conference | 17:00 – 18:00 |
| Formula 1 | Formula 1 Pirelli Hot Laps | 18:30 – 19:00 |
| Formula 1 | F1 Experiences – Pit Lane Walk/Guided Track Tour (F1 Experiences Guests Only) | 19:00 – 20:30 |
| FRIDAY 29th NOVEMBER | ||
| FIA Formula 4 UAE | Practice Session | 10:30 – 11:00 |
| FIA Formula 2 | Practice Session | 11:30 – 12:15 |
| Formula 1 | Practice 1 | 13:00 – 14:30 |
| Formula 1 | F1 Pirelli Hot Laps | 14:40 – 15:05 |
| Formula 1 | Press Conference | 15:00 – 16:00 |
| Paddock Club | Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk | 14:45 – 15:30 |
| Paddock Club | Paddock Club Truck Tour | 15:05 – 15:35 |
| FIA Formula 4 UAE | Qualifying Session | 16:00 – 16:20 |
| Formula 1 | Practice 2 | 17:00 – 18:30 |
| FIA Formula 2 | Qualifying Session | 19:00 – 19:30 |
| Paddock Club | Paddock Club Truck Tour | 19:40 – 20:10 |
| FIA Formula 2 | Press Conference | 20:00 – 20:30 |
| Formula 1 | RM Sotheby’s Auction Car Demonstration (High Speed) | 20:15 – 20:45 |
| SATURDAY 30th NOVEMBER | ||
| Formula 1 | Team Pit Stop Practice | 11:15 – 11:45 |
| FIA Formula 4 UAE | First Race (25 Mins) | 12:30 – 13:10 |
| Formula 1 | Practice 3 | 14:00 – 15:00 |
| Paddock Club | Paddock Club Truck Tour | 15:15 – 15:45 |
| FIA Formula 2 | Drivers’ Parade | 15:15 – 15:45 |
| Paddock Club | Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk | 15:15 – 16:15 |
| Formula 1 | Formula 1 Pirelli Hot Laps | 15:50 – 16:20 |
| Formula 1 | Qualifying | 17:00 – 18:00 |
| Formula 1 | Press Conference | 18:00 – 19:00 |
| FIA Formula 2 | First Race (31 Laps or 60 Mins) | 18:45 – 19:50 |
| Paddock Club | Paddock Club Truck Tour | 20:00 – 20:30 |
| FIA Formula 2 | Press Conference | 20:05 – 20:35 |
| Formula 1 | RM Sotheby’s Auction | 21:00 – 23:30 |
| SUNDAY 1st DECEMBER | ||
| FIA Formula 4 UAE | Second Race (25 Mins) | 12:00 – 12:30 |
| FIA Formula 2 | Second Race (22 Laps or 45 Mins) | 13:30 – 14:20 |
| FIA Formula 2 | Press Conference | 14:35 – 15:05 |
| Formula 1 | Formula 1 Pirelli Hot Laps | 14:40 – 15:00 |
| Paddock Club | Paddock Club Pit Lane Walk | 14:45 – 16:00 |
| Formula 1 | DHL Fastest Lap & Fastest Pit Stop of the Year Awards | 15:10 – 15:15 |
| Formula 1 | End of Year F1 Drivers’ Photograph | 15:15 – 15:20 |
| Formula 1 | Drivers’ Parade (Truck) | 15:30 – 16:00 |
| Formula 1 | Starting Grid Presentation | 15:35 – 16:05 |
| Formula 1 | National Anthem | 16:54 – 16:56 |
| Formula 1 | Grand Prix (55 Laps or 120 Mins) | 17:10 – 19:10 |
I’m Danny, an incurable Formula 1 fan for over 25 years and founder of The F1 Spectator. My aim is to inform and inspire, arming you with helpful tips and advice for your next F1 trip.
featured image: © CaterhamF1 | FLICKR


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