History of Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in Timeline

By Popular Timelines Editorial Team · Updated: December 9, 2024

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, a Formula One motor racing event, debuted on November 1, 2009. It's held at the Yas Marina Circuit, located on Yas Island near Abu Dhabi, the capital of the United Arab Emirates. The circuit was designed by Hermann Tilke. This Grand Prix is one of the more recent additions to the Formula One calendar and is known for its modern facilities and often dramatic season finales.

January 2007: First Formula One Festival in Abu Dhabi

The first Formula One Festival, featuring F1 cars and drivers, was held in Abu Dhabi in January 2007.

February 2007: Hosting Rights Awarded

In February 2007, Abu Dhabi was granted the rights to host a Grand Prix from 2009 to 2016.

2007: Announcement of Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was announced in 2007.

June 2008: FIA Announces Provisional 2009 F1 Calendar

In June 2008, the FIA included the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as the final race of the 2009 season in its provisional calendar.

November 2008: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Date Change

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix date was shifted to November 1st, two weeks earlier than initially planned, making it the 17th and final race of the 2009 season.

August 2009: Race Time and Lighting Announced

In August 2009, it was confirmed that the race would start at 5 PM local time and be floodlit.

November 2009: 2009 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and Schedule Adjustments

Initially scheduled for November 15th, the 2009 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was moved to November 1st after the removal of the Canadian and French Grands Prix from the schedule.

November 2009: First Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

The inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix took place in November 2009 at the Yas Marina Circuit.

2009: Start of Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Hosting

Abu Dhabi began hosting the Grand Prix in 2009.

2009: First Major Event at Yas Marina Circuit

In 2009, the Yas Marina Circuit hosted its first major event, the 2009 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The circuit, designed by Hermann Tilke, is located on Yas Island.

2009: First Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Held

In 2009, the first Abu Dhabi Grand Prix took place.

November 2010: 2010 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and Championship Decider

The 2010 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, held in November, marked the first time the Drivers' Championship was decided at this event, with Sebastian Vettel winning the title.

2011: 2011 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton won the 2011 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with Fernando Alonso second and Jenson Button third. Sebastian Vettel retired early due to a puncture.

2012: 2012 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Kimi Räikkönen won the 2012 race, with Alonso second and Vettel, starting from the pit lane after a qualifying disqualification, third.

2013: 2013 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and Red Bull Celebration

Sebastian Vettel and Red Bull Racing won the 2013 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, celebrating their fourth consecutive championship titles.

2014: 2014 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and Double Points

Lewis Hamilton won the 2014 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, securing his second Drivers' Championship in a race where double points were awarded.

November 2015: 2015 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Nico Rosberg won the 2015 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, achieving his third consecutive victory.

November 2016: 2016 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and Rosberg's Championship

Lewis Hamilton won the 2016 race, while Nico Rosberg secured his only Drivers' Championship.

2016: Initial Contract for Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

The initial contract for Abu Dhabi to host the Grand Prix ran until 2016.

November 2017: 2017 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Valtteri Bottas won the 2017 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

November 2018: 2018 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Lewis Hamilton won the 2018 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

December 2019: 2019 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and Hamilton's "Grand Slam"

Lewis Hamilton achieved a "Grand Slam" at the 2019 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, securing pole position, leading every lap, and winning the race.

2020: 2020 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Rescheduled

Max Verstappen won the 2020 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, which was rescheduled to December due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

June 2021: Yas Marina Circuit Modifications Announced

In June 2021, modifications to the Yas Marina Circuit were announced and approved. These changes included simplifying turns 5-7 and 11-14, and widening turns 17-19 (later 12-14) and 20 (later 15) to allow cars to maintain higher speeds in the third sector. The modifications were implemented for the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

December 2021: 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and Verstappen's Controversial Win

Max Verstappen won his first Drivers' Championship in a controversial 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix finish. The FIA launched an inquiry after the race director did not follow correct safety car procedures.

November 2022: 2022 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Max Verstappen won the 2022 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

2022: New Race Directors Appointed

Following the 2021 controversy, new race directors, Niels Wittich and Eduardo Freitas, were appointed for the 2022 season.

November 2023: 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and Verstappen's Records

Max Verstappen won the 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, becoming the first driver to lead 1,000 laps in a single season and the only driver to complete every racing lap of the season.