Abu Dhabi Grand Prix facts for kids
| Yas Marina Circuit (2021–present) |
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| Race information | |
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| Number of times held | 15 |
| First held | 2009 |
| Most wins (drivers) |  Lewis Hamilton (5) |
| Most wins (constructors) |  Red Bull Racing (7) |
| Circuit length | 5.281 km (3.281 mi) |
| Race length | 306.183 km (190.253 mi) |
| Laps | 58 |
| Last race (2023) | |
| Pole position | |
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| Podium | |
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| Fastest lap | |
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The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is an exciting Formula One car race. It takes place every year in Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. The race is held at the Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island.
The first race happened on November 1, 2009. It was special because it was Formula One's first day-night race. The race started in daylight, and powerful floodlights came on as the sun set. This made sure the track stayed bright for the whole race. All Abu Dhabi Grands Prix since then have also been day-night races.
The idea for the race was announced in 2007. The FIA, which runs Formula One, added it to the calendar for 2009. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has been held every year since its start. It is planned to stay at the Yas Marina Circuit until at least 2030.
Contents
History
Early Races (2009-2013)
Formula 1 first came to Abu Dhabi in 2007. This was for the first Formula One Festival. It was a free event with many F1 cars and drivers. At this festival, it was announced that Abu Dhabi would host a Grand Prix from 2009 to 2016.
The first Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was in 2009. It was the final race of the season. Sebastian Vettel won this first race for Red Bull Racing.
In 2010, the Drivers' Championship was decided in Abu Dhabi for the first time. Sebastian Vettel won the race again. This win helped him become the world champion.
The 2011 race was won by Lewis Hamilton driving for McLaren. Sebastian Vettel started from pole position but had to stop early. This was due to a flat tire on the first lap.
In 2012, Kimi Räikkönen won the race. This was his first win since returning to Formula One. Sebastian Vettel started from the pitlane but finished third.
The 2013 race was won by Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull Racing. This was their third win at Abu Dhabi. The team had already won the Drivers' and Constructors' Championships that year.
Hybrid Era (2014-2021)
The 2014 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was the last race of the season. Double points were given for this race. Lewis Hamilton won, which helped him secure his second Drivers' Championship.
Nico Rosberg won the 2015 race. He also won the 2016 race. In 2016, Rosberg secured his only Drivers' Championship at this event.
Valtteri Bottas won the 2017 race. Lewis Hamilton won the 2018 and 2019 races. In 2019, Hamilton achieved a "Grand Slam." This means he started from pole, led every lap, and won the race.
The 2020 race was won by Max Verstappen. The race date was moved due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
In December 2021, a new agreement was signed. Abu Dhabi will host the final F1 race of the season until 2030. The 2021 race was very exciting. Max Verstappen won his first World Drivers' Championship. He finished ahead of Lewis Hamilton. The race had some discussion about how the safety car was handled. After an investigation, the FIA made some changes for future races.
Ground Effect Era (2022-Present)
The 2022 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was won by Max Verstappen. Charles Leclerc finished second.
The 2023 race was also won by Max Verstappen. He had already won the Drivers' Championship earlier that season. By winning this race, Verstappen became the first driver to lead one thousand laps in a single season. He was also the only driver to complete every racing lap in the 2023 season.
Circuit
The Yas Marina Circuit was designed by Hermann Tilke. It is on Yas Island, a large island near Abu Dhabi. The 2009 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was the first big event held on this track.
In 2021, the track layout was changed. Some turns were updated to make the racing more exciting. For example, a chicane (a series of sharp turns) and a hairpin turn were replaced. They became a single, wider hairpin. Also, a triple chicane was replaced by a sweeping banked curve. Other turns were made wider. These changes allow cars to go faster through certain parts of the track.
Gallery
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The main straight
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Turn 7 (2009–2021), Turn 5 (2021–present)
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Grand Prix Circuit (2009–2021)
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Differences between the 2009 and 2021 layouts
Winners
Repeat winners (drivers)
Drivers in bold are competing in the Formula One championship in the current season.
| Wins | Driver | Years won |
|---|---|---|
| 5 | Lewis Hamilton |
2011, 2014, 2016, 2018, 2019 |
| 4 |  Max Verstappen |
2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 |
| 3 |  Sebastian Vettel |
2009, 2010, 2013 |
| Source: | ||
Repeat winners (constructors)
Teams in bold are competing in the Formula One championship in the current season.
| Wins | Constructor | Years won |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | Red Bull Racing |
2009, 2010, 2013, 2020, 2021, 2022, 2023 |
| 6 | Mercedes |
2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 |
| Source: | ||
Repeat winners (engine manufacturers)
Manufacturers in bold are competing in the Formula One championship in the current season.
| Wins | Manufacturer | Years won |
|---|---|---|
| 7 | Mercedes |
2011, 2014, 2015, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019 |
| 4 |  Renault |
2009, 2010, 2012, 2013 |
| 2 |  Honda |
2020, 2021 |
| Source: | ||
By year
| Year | Driver | Constructor | Report |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2009 | Sebastian Vettel |
Red Bull Racing-Renault | Report |
| 2010 | Sebastian Vettel |
Red Bull Racing-Renault | Report |
| 2011 | Lewis Hamilton |
McLaren-Mercedes | Report |
| 2012 |  Kimi Räikkönen |
Lotus-Renault | Report |
| 2013 | Sebastian Vettel |
Red Bull Racing-Renault | Report |
| 2014 | Lewis Hamilton |
Mercedes | Report |
| 2015 | Nico Rosberg |
Mercedes | Report |
| 2016 | Lewis Hamilton |
Mercedes | Report |
| 2017 | Valtteri Bottas |
Mercedes | Report |
| 2018 | Lewis Hamilton |
Mercedes | Report |
| 2019 | Lewis Hamilton |
Mercedes | Report |
| 2020 | Max Verstappen |
Red Bull Racing-Honda | Report |
| 2021 | Max Verstappen |
Red Bull Racing-Honda | Report |
| 2022 | Max Verstappen |
Red Bull Racing-RBPT | Report |
| 2023 | Max Verstappen |
Red Bull Racing-Honda RBPT | Report |
| Source: | |||
See also
In Spanish: Gran Premio de Abu Dabi para niños
