Why Abu Dhabi was the perfect host for exciting Formula One finale that saw Max Verstappen celebrate fourth consecutive world title
After 24 races, the 2024 Formula One season came to a dramatic finish at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi.
With a record-breaking seven race winners, four driver changes and plenty of off-track drama, the 2024 F1 season was undoubtedly one of the greatest in recent memory.
Although Max Verstappen had wrapped up his fourth consecutive title weeks prior in Las Vegas, there were still crucial points up for grabs to decide the constructors' championship heading into the final race of the season.
And after experiencing all that the city had to offer during an exciting race week, this is why Abu Dhabi is the perfect host for the F1 season finale.
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Exclusive behind the scenes access
Before the race, SPORTbible were given an exclusive look behind the scenes of the track to show off exactly why Abu Dhabi stands out as the premier race destination.
The trip to the Yas Marina circuit started with a guided tour of the track led by two-time F1 champion Mika Hakkinen, who won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2012.
Shortly after the time on track, we were taken onto the infamous paddock to walk alongside some of the biggest names in the sport, including drivers from both the past and present.
Our paddock walk led us to the eleven garages set up for the race, ten for each of the teams competing and one special garage that was used to film Brad Pitt’s upcoming F1 film.
After watching the teams practice their highly impressive pit stops, we were welcomed inside the Visa Cash App Racing Bulls garage to see the engineers at work and learn exactly what goes into making the fastest cars in the world, a particularly interesting tour given that Liam Lawson was announced as Red Bull’s second driver just days later.
A track built for thrills
Opened in October 2009, the Yas Marina Circuit first hosted a Formula One Grand Prix just one month later and immediately received praise from across the grid.
After the very first practice sessions on the track future champion Nico Rosberg described it as ‘an interesting track where every corner is unique.’
Sebastian Vettel topped the podium in the 2009 Grand Prix, and since then Abu Dhabi has held the season finale every year, with six other drivers claiming victory on the track.
Of course, the Yas Marina circuit also hosted one of the most dramatic moments in the history of the sport as Verstappen claimed his first Formula One championship after overtaking seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton on the final lap of the season.
And such excitement was well and truly present in 2024, as contact between Verstappen and McLaren’s Oscar Piastri handed Ferrari the lifeline they needed to challenge the British team for the constructor’s title.
Ultimately though, after a thrilling 58 laps it was Lando Norris who took first place, handing McLaren their first title in 26 years.
All roads lead to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
From the minute you set foot in Abu Dhabi during race week, you can feel that the whole city is building itself up to the grand finale on Sunday.
And potentially the most exciting part of the week outside of the races themselves came as world-class artists from across the globe came to perform after each day of on-track action.
Having burst onto the scene this year, American singer Teddy Swims starred in the first concert on Thursday night, before DJ Peggy Gou’s set kept the celebrations going into the night.
After Friday’s practice sessions gave the crowd a taste of what to expect in the following days, Maroon 5 performed some of their biggest chart-topping hits to round off the first day of action.
To get people excited for the big race on Sunday, 15-time Grammy winner Eminem emerged from a coffin on stage wearing a hockey mask and wielding a chainsaw, as he treated thousands of fans to his first full concert outside of the USA in over five years, playing an incredible 31 song setlist that spanned the entirety of his catalogue.
Finally, after an adrenaline filled race which ended with an Englishman on top of the podium, British rock sensations Muse closed out what had been an amazing experience at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Of course, outside the track itself there were plenty of exciting opportunities for visitors to experience all that Abu Dhabi has to offer.
A personal highlight that felt on brand for the race weekend was my trip to Ferrari World, a unique indoor theme park detailing the history of perhaps the most famous car manufacturer in the world, through a series of thrilling rollercoasters and exhibitions.
Although it was unfortunately closed for refurbishment during my trip, Ferrari World boasts the fastest rollercoaster in the world, Formula Rossa, which can hit a top speed of 149.1 mph.
Breathtaking experiences outside of Yas Marina
But, if spending almost your entire weekend at the Yas Marina isn’t quite what you want from a trip away for the Formula One, Abu Dhabi also offers several beautiful cultural experiences that are a must-see when visiting the city.
Towering over the city in the stunning Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque, the largest building of worship in the United Arab Emirates.
With 82 domes, more than 1,000 columns, 24-carat-gold gilded chandeliers and the world's largest hand-knotted carpet, it comes as no surprise that the truly beautiful Grand Mosque has hosted some of the biggest names in the world, including US President Joe Biden and Queen Elizabeth II.
In what is described by France as their largest cultural project abroad, Abu Dhabi also houses its own Louvre Museum with historic artefacts and art displays from the likes of Vincent van Gogh.
For natural beauty, a trip outside of the heart of the city can take you either to the colossal Rub' Al Khali desert or the Mangrove Marine National Park, where you can take a peaceful guided kayak tour through the stunning 297 square mile forest that is home to over 60 species of birds.
Whatever it is you may want from a trip away to experience a Formula One race weekend, it’s safe to say that Abu Dhabi has it, and I personally can’t wait to see what the Yas Marina circuit has in store at the end of what promises to be a highly-competitive 2025 F1 season.
Topics: Ferrari, Formula 1, Lando Norris, Max Verstappen, McLaren, Spotlight
Ben McCrum