Yas Marina Circuit: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Circuit details

The Layout
Yas Marina Circuit measures 5.281 km and runs anticlockwise through 16 turns. It’s a mix of fast straights and technical corners, with sections winding past the marina and beneath the W Abu Dhabi hotel. That hotel stretch is one of the most visually distinctive passages on the calendar. Covered grandstands accommodate up to 60,000 spectators.
Signature Corners
The 2021 reprofiling replaced several slower corners with faster flowing sections. The result is a lap that demands more from drivers than the original layout did. Sections passing beneath the W Abu Dhabi hotel remain the circuit’s most recognisable passage, with the illuminated facade making it unlike anything else on the F1 calendar.
History
Yas Marina Circuit first hosted the Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2009. Designed by Hermann Tilke and located on Yas Island just outside Abu Dhabi, it has regularly served as the season finale. Championship battles have reached their peak here more than once. In 2021 the circuit was reprofiled to improve overtaking opportunities, with slower corners replaced by faster flowing sections. That same year’s finale proved controversial, with Max Verstappen taking a title-winning drive at the circuit.
Circuit Character
Yas Marina is a night race venue. The Grand Prix starts in daylight and transitions into night under what’s described as the world’s largest permanent sports lighting system. Spectators in the covered grandstands get the sunset as part of the experience. Beyond Formula 1, the circuit hosts motorsport events and public activities including driving experiences, karting and cycling.
Recent Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Winners
- 2025: Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
- 2024: Lando Norris (McLaren)
- 2023: Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
- 2022: Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
- 2021: Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is a lap at Yas Marina?
A lap at Yas Marina Circuit measures 5.281 km. The full race distance is 306.183 km.
How many corners does Yas Marina have?
Yas Marina Circuit has 16 turns.
When did Yas Marina first host a Formula 1 race?
Yas Marina Circuit first hosted a Formula 1 race in 2009. It has held the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix every year since.
What is the lap record at Yas Marina?
The current lap record at Yas Marina is 1:25.637, set in 2024.
Who won the most recent Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?
Max Verstappen won the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix driving for Red Bull.
Which direction does Yas Marina Circuit run?
Yas Marina Circuit runs anticlockwise.
Who designed Yas Marina Circuit?
Yas Marina Circuit was designed by architect Hermann Tilke. It’s located on Yas Island, a tourist destination just outside Abu Dhabi.
What changes were made to Yas Marina Circuit in 2021?
In 2021 the circuit was reprofiled to improve overtaking opportunities. Several slower corners were replaced by faster flowing sections, raising the overall pace and sporting challenge of the lap.
How many spectators can Yas Marina Circuit accommodate?
The covered grandstands at Yas Marina Circuit offer comfortable viewing for up to 60,000 spectators.
Is the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix held during the day or at night?
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix transitions from day into night. The circuit operates under what’s described as the world’s largest permanent sports lighting system.
What activities are available at Yas Marina Circuit outside of Formula 1?
Beyond Formula 1, Yas Marina Circuit hosts a variety of motorsport events and public activities including driving experiences, karting and cycling.
Where is Yas Marina Circuit located?
Yas Marina Circuit is located on Yas Island, just outside Abu Dhabi in the United Arab Emirates.
