Abu Dhabi GP is among the most breathtaking tracks in the world!
Since the inception of the turbo hybrid era in 2014, the circuit has hosted every season finale without exception. The track made its debut on the racing calendar in 2009, and Sebastian Vettel emerged victorious in the inaugural race in the desert. Over a span of 15 years, the circuit has witnessed and contributed to some of the most unforgettable moments in contemporary Formula 1 history. Here, let's take a look at the highlights of the Abu Dhabi track!
The conclusion of the 2021 season is likely to be remembered as one of the most contentious in the annals of F1 history. The circuit witnessed a closely contested and iconic championship battle, with Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton entering the race with equal points. The formidable run of the Mercedes driver in the sport was halted by the young Dutch driver under controversial circumstances. However, the final lap, which ultimately determined the title, will be remembered as the finest racing moment the circuit has experienced since its establishment.
Following a challenging four-year stint with McLaren, the two-time world champion declared his departure from the pinnacle of motorsport after the 2018 season. Nevertheless, he made a comeback to F1 in 2021, and the farewell he received from two of his closest rivals, Sebastian Vettel and Lewis Hamilton, on the home straight will remain vivid in the memories of fans. This memorable moment saw three of the premier F1 drivers engage in celebratory doughnuts.
As the 2010 season approached its climax in Abu Dhabi, four contenders—Sebastian Vettel, Mark Webber, Fernando Alonso, and Lewis Hamilton—vised for the championship. Starting from pole position, the German driver successfully maintained his lead, securing victory in the race for the second consecutive time. This triumph not only marked Vettel's individual success but also heralded Red Bull's inaugural title in the sport. The intense competition among the four title aspirants added drama to the season finale, with Vettel's skill and determination ultimately clinching the championship. The Abu Dhabi race in 2010 thus stands as a pivotal moment, etching itself into the annals of Formula 1 history with Vettel's noteworthy performance and Red Bull's emergence as a dominant force in the sport.
Making a comeback to Formula One after a two-year absence from the sport in the 2012 season, Kimi Raikkonen swiftly demonstrated that he hadn't lost any of his renowned speed on the track. His return culminated in a fitting celebration as the Finnish driver clinched victory in the 2012 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in his trademark style, adding a fairy-tale chapter to his career in the desert. Raikkonen's impressive performance affirmed his enduring prowess as a driver and marked a triumphant return to the competitive world of Formula One. The win in Abu Dhabi showcased the resilience and skill that have long defined Raikkonen's career, earning him accolades and solidifying his status as one of the sport's iconic figures.
During the 2016 season, Hamilton and his Mercedes teammate Nico Rosberg engaged in one of history's most intense championship battles. In the race's closing laps, the British driver held the lead and attempted to manoeuvre Rosberg into the pursuing group to bolster his position, albeit unsuccessfully.
The Abu Dhabi F1 is an iconic track; it's right up there with Monaco and other legendary tracks of the sport. In the future, fans of Formula 1 can only expect to witness even grander Grand Prix's here!
