Today's Edition
ABU DHABI (ALETIHAD)
Ethara, the organisers of the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, announced that the race week broke attendance records with a combined total of 339,000 fans across events.
The season-ending climax went down to the wire and featured a three-way title battle between the McLarens of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen. The anticipation also led to the record 203,000 attendance at Yas Marina Circuit – a near 6% jump from the 192,000 spectators in 2024.
The entertainment programme drew a record 136,000 fans (an increase of nearly 9% from 2024's attendance of 125,300) and featured Benson Boone, Elyanna, Post Malone, Metallica and Katy Perry, along with after-parties including Idris Elba, Calvin Harris and Keinemusik.
Among the new offerings was extended track access for the fans, including two public pit lane walks and FAB Track Walks on Thursday. Capped by Boone’s dazzling performance, it became the biggest Thursday in the event’s history.
A seemingly endless list of celebrities made appearances in the paddock, including actress Ana de Armas, who waved the chequered flag, actors Jason Statham, Emily Ratajkowski, Madelaine Petsch, Jessica Chastain, Priyanka Chopra Jonas, businessman Bill Gates and sporting legends Thierry Henry, Ronaldinho, Jannik Sinner and Sachin Tendulkar.
Along with the event attendance growth, the environmental impact also has been growing. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix tripled the use of temporary solar power, with key areas of the track, including Turns 2, 5, and 9, powered entirely by clean energy.
