When was the track constructed?
In 2006, it was announced that Yas Island, located just east of Abu Dhabi, would be transformed into a new tourist destination, with a 5.5-kilometer race track playing a central role. In May of 2007, construction began on what would become the Yas Marina Circuit, which was finished in October of 2009.
When did the first Grand Prix occur?
In 2009. The track debuted as the season finale for Formula 1 in that year, with Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel prevailing over teammate Mark Webber and 2009 champion Jenson Button. A year later, Vettel won his first championship in Abu Dhabi amid much weeping.
How the circuit feel's like?
The circuit created by Hermann Tilke is dominated by the 1.2-kilometer straight between Turns 5 and 6; with slow-speed bends marking its beginning and end, it is a prime location for overtaking maneuvers. Other highlights are the challenging run through Turns 10 and 11 into Turn 12, which requires the drivers to brake aggressively while still carrying bags of lateral load. Modifications to the track prior to the 2021 race, which reduced the distance of one circuit to 5.28 kilometers, have only contributed to its excitement.
