FORMULA 1

On the homestretch

THE ULTIMATE GUIDE TO EVERYTHING F1 ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX RELATED

The Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix (F1) will be taking place between November 17 and 20 and will encompass so much more than just ‘cars going round a track’. There are the After-Race Concerts, the sophisticated and occasionally less sophisticated viewing parties, elite Michelinapproved dining pop-ups, and yes, very fast cars going round a track, very quickly.

RACE

You’re probably already aware, but just in case you’re the sort of fair-weather fan that’s along for the fun and picks who they cheer for on the basis of car colour, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is the final race of the season. This year the Abu Dhabi finale will likely be a victory lap for Verstappen who already has a titanic tally of race wins under his belt. But winners never take their foot off the pedal – Hamilton will be out for vindication, and Mercedes are still battling it out with Ferrari for second place in the team leader boards. There’s still a lot that will be decided over the long November weekend.

MUSIC

Organised by Flash Entertainment and staged at what is now known as Etihad Park (the artist hub formally known as du Arena) Abu Dhabi’s Yasalam After-Race Concerts are the stuff of legend. A gloriously stuff of legend. A gloriously eclectic mix of triple A talent eclectic mix of triple A talent is jetting to the capital to is jetting to the capital to perform for one night perform for one night only after each only after each day’s motorsport day’s motorsport sessions. And the sessions. And the only way to see only way to see them play is to them play is to hold track tickets hold track tickets for whichever for whichever day the artist is day the artist is performing. You cannot performing. You cannot purchase concert tickets purchase concert tickets separately.

Kendrick Lamar The confirmed artists for the Abu Dhabi

F1 2022, are EDM maestros, Swedish F1 2022, are EDM maestros, Swedish

House Mafia, headlining the show on House Mafia, headlining the show on

Friday, November 18, and member of the rap Friday, November 18, and member of the rap aristocracy, Kendrick Lamar taking his brooding aristocracy, Kendrick Lamar taking his brooding philosophical bars to the stage on Saturday, philosophical bars to the stage on Saturday, November 19. November 19.

That still leaves Thursday’s opener, which tends That still leaves Thursday’s opener, which tends to be something catering for the younger, on-trend to be something catering for the younger, on-trend audiences, and Sunday, the mega artist, to close out audiences, and Sunday, the mega artist, to close out proceedings with a back catalogue of sing-along proceedings with a back catalogue of sing-along bangers. bangers.

DINING

Every year to go along with the many established permanent culinary seats in the capital, the F1 brings a host of internationally renowned, award-winning restaurant popups. For foodies, even race fan ones, the on-plate theatre on offer can be equally, if not more, exhilarating than that on-track.

This year will be no different. Already confirmed as the Grand Prix’s gastronomic companions include Cé La Vi, Gohan, Ninive and Opa.

PARTIES

Marvin ‘JLS’ Humes

W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island transforms into a nonstop F1-esta zone during race weekend, with every available venue and viewing deck space given over to brunches, drunches and rave-ups all within earroaring proximity to the iconic Yas Marina circuit — often with unmatched views of the action.

But for something a little different, Xclusive Yachts is offering an armada of alternative race-celebrating boat parties, with jawdropping musical acts on (the) deck(s). Their Friday event includes a Rudimental DJ set, and Marvin ‘JLS’ Humes. On Saturday you’ll see artful lyricist Tinie (formally Tinie Tempah) followed by garage double act DJ Luck & MC Neat. On Sunday it’s Nathan ‘Lighter’ Dawe and Yungen. It’s all being hosted by Patrick Nazemi and Rick Live. For prices and to book, you’ll need to call (0)55 729 0415.

Stay tuned to WhatsOn.ae for further announcements as we get them.

Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Yas Island, Abu Dhabi. November 17 to 20. yasmarinacircuit.com