A Corner-by-Corner Guide Yas Marina Circuit

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is the jewel in F1's crown, a breathtaking spectacle that marks the end of the season. The Yas Marina Circuit (5.281 km, 16 corners) is where the 2021 layout changes transformed it from a tricky track into a high-speed, overtaking battleground, perfectly primed for this winner-takes-all finale.

Sector 1: The Unique Entry

• Turns 1–4: The lap begins on the main straight before the first braking zone. A unique feature here is the pit-lane exit tunnel that runs under the circuit and rejoins at Turn 3.

Sector 2: The Overtaking Funnels

• Turn 5 (North Hairpin): This is one of the track's best overtaking zones. The slow chicane that used to precede the hairpin was removed in 2021, making the approach faster and the braking zone wider. Drivers throw the car down hard here to get a massive run onto the back straight.

• The Long Straight & Turn 9 (Marsa Corner): The circuit’s 1.14 km straight is followed by the second central overtaking spot. Turn 9 is the massive, sweeping, banked corner that replaced a fussy, tight chicane complex in 2021. This fast, flowing sequence is designed to promote wheel-to-wheel action, and traction here is critical for the rest of the lap.

Sector 3: The Marina and The Hotel

• Turns 10–16 (Hotel Section): This is the picturesque, twisty section that weaves around the spectacular Yas Marina and passes directly underneath the W Abu Dhabi Hotel. In 2021, these corners were opened up to be faster and more flowing, eliminating the old stop-start nature and encouraging drivers to push harder.

    

• The Final Flick: The last set of corners requires high precision, but a firm exit is vital. A perfect run onto the main straight sets up the car for maximum speed, which can be the ultimate difference-maker in a tight championship fight.

The race is defined by its day-to-night transition, where dropping track temperatures change the car's balance and the tyre grip. Strategy will revolve around nailing the setup for the cool evening conditions and ensuring a clean run through the overtaking hotspots. The stage is set for an epic final battle under the lights.

And as always, when the lights go out and the drama unfolds, here at Senate Grand Prix, there is only one winner, and that's you, the race fans!