Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: Grandstand Guide for the F1 race at Yas Marina

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is invariably a key moment in the season. The curtain falls on Formula One at Yas Marina, and fans flock to the grandstands to see the action.

Remember you get free entry to many of the cities attractions and entry to the concerts featuring some of the world’s biggest artists.

So, which are the best grandstands to catch the action from? Before you book your tickets to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, check out this complete guide.

Key grandstands for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Main Grandstand

Big screen: Yes
Covered: Yes
Numbered seating: Yes

The north grandstand (right) as the grid prepares for the start of the race after the flyover

The Main Grandstand is always the place to be to witness the thrill of the start of an F1 race. Before lights out, the atmosphere on the grid will be electric. As mechanics and drivers prepare on the , look out for some of the world’s biggest celebrities rubbing shoulders on the grid walk. During the race, they will take their seats in hospitality opposite the Main Grandstand – that’s how you know you’ve got the best seats in the house. Nothing beats the roar of 20 Formula 1 engines firing up for the start of the race, and you’ll see all the action as they take off into turn 1.

The podium is directly opposite the Main Grandstand, so you’ll soak in all the celebrations of the race winner. As the last race of the season, this is also where the drivers will perform celebratory donuts after the race. So for the opportunity to see, hear, and even smell the cars like no other Formula 1 fan can, this is the stand to be in.

There are four levels in the Main Grandstand:

Main – allocated seating anywhere in lower section

Main Plus – better-placed, allocated seats

Main Premium – highest section

Main Premium Plus – highest sections facing the podium

North Grandstand

Big screen: Yes
Covered: Yes
Numbered seating: Yes

Grandstand view of turn 7 at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

This enormous horseshoe grandstand wraps around the hairpin at turn 7. Before the cars reach the hairpin, you’ll see the cars power downhill through turns 3 to 6 when they battle for position at the start of the race. The cars then navigate the hairpin, which is a key overtaking zone, before taking off on one of the longest straights in Formula 1.

The shape of this grandstand generates one of the best atmospheres anywhere on the track, as its all-encompassing shape creates a stadium roar that amplifies the roar of the cars. It is also close to where the Etihad Park where the post-race concerts are held.

West Grandstand

Big screen: Yes
Covered: Yes
Numbered seating: Yes

The West Grandstand’s view of turns 8, 9 and 10

The West Grandstand is located at the end of the 2km back straight, where the cars reach speeds of up to 315kph. As a key DRS zone, turn 8 at the end of the straight is an important overtaking zone throughout the race. The cars will pass through turns 9 and 10 in front of the grandstand towards the Marina. In the distance, fans in this stand will also see the cars emerge for turns 20 and 21 before taking the chequered flag on the main straight.

Marina Grandstand

Big screen: Yes
Covered: Yes
Numbered seating: Yes

The view from the Marina Grandstand.

This stand is located just after the long back straight. The cars will navigate turns 8, 9 and 10 as they fight for position and enter this long, sweeping section of the track. The grandstand is parallel to a DRS zone, making it an important overtaking zone for drivers to reclaim a lost position. The cars will pass the stand along to turns 11 to 14 which are visible in the distance. Opposite your seat, the yachts will be docked in the harbour, and the W Hotel will illuminate throughout the twilight race. The cars will also pass through turns 15, 16 and 17 in front of this stand, before they disappear through the W Hotel.

South Grandstand

Big screen: Yes
Covered: Yes
Numbered seating: Yes

The view from the South Grandstand at Yas Marina

The South Grandstand is alongside the long sweeping section between turns 10 and 11. The Marina stand is closer to the DRS activation zone, while the South Grandstand is closer to the apex of turn 11. This puts spectators in the thick of the action as the drivers hit the braking zone looking to make an overtaking move. The cars will brake from 300kph to just 125 kph, so fans in this stand see the cars in all their glory. You’ll see the cars jostle through the slow corners of turns 11, 12 and 13. You’ll be able to follow the cars through the lap to turn 18, before they disappear beneath the W Hotel.

Know where you’d like to sit for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix? Buy your F1 tickets via the link below and remember to check out our blog on the 10 things to do in Abu Dhabi.

Official Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix tickets