Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Circuit History and Crucial Information

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2017 takes place on Sunday 26th November bringing the curtain down on another exciting Formula One season. It’s one of the newest races on the calendar but has already established itself as one of the favourites on the circuit.

 

Plans to build the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix circuit were first mooted in 2007 with the racetrack first hosting the famous race in 2009. Since its inauguration, it has always been the final race of the season. It is held on Yas Island which is just off the east coast of Abu Dhabi and boasts a luxury hotel and a place for yachts to moor.

The contest has become a huge draw for audiences far and wide. The Yas Marina circuit attracts its fair share of rich and famous clientele but the F1 festival provides a carnivalesque atmosphere around the UAE. The first couple of Abu Dhabi Grand Prix races were completely free of charge to attend.

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix start time tends to be around 17:00 local time which often means floodlights are required to illuminate the circuit. It is one of the few ‘day-night’ races on the roster. This Grand Prix was the trailblazer for the inclusion of twilight races. The Yas Marina circuit is also in the minority because of its anti-clockwise direction. Drivers are required to complete 55 laps of the Yas Marina circuit which stands at 5.554 KM long. Top speeds of 235 Kmph have been recorded at the venue.

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix circuit was designed in a similar fashion to the Monaco and Singapore tracks and has one of the longest straights on the calendar as well as a number of tight corners which take expert negotiating. Drivers often find it one of the more demanding tracks especially with the desert sun occasionally restricting vision.

 

Key Drivers Taking Part in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2017 and the Chances of Success in the Final Race of the Season

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Winner 2017 could be one of the usual protagonists as the two main contenders in the Driver’s Championship both have an excellent record at this track.

Lewis Hamilton and Sebastian Vettel have both won three times at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix circuit during its short history of hosting this kind of races. There have only been four different winners of this race. Kimi Raikkonen was successful back in 2012 with Nico Rosberg taking the chequered flag back in 2015. The German has since retired from the sport but the three previous victors remain in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix betting for this year’s contest.

Lewis Hamilton won the eighth running of the race in 2016 and will be aiming for back to back successes at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2017. Hamilton finished on pole but it was a crucial race in the quest for the driver’s Championship. Nico Rosberg started the race twelve points ahead and clinched the second position ensuring the German wrapped up the title in Abu Dhabi despite Hamilton’s success in the race itself. There were just four seconds between the top two.

Sebastian Vettel claimed 15 points for finishing third in the race making up a couple of places on the grid after starting in fifth following qualifying at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix circuit.

Daniel Riccardo has had a decent season in 2017 but his record in this race could do with significant improvement. The Australian will be aiming to improve upon his 5th place finish when he competes in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2017. He usually ends the season in decent form and could lay down a challenge to the top two.

Having won this race in 2012, the aforementioned Kimi Raikkonen has picked up just one podium finish in this Grand Prix since. The Finn will be hoping to improve upon his 6th place finish in last season’s contest.

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Predictions for the 2017 Race with Best Odds

Mercedes have managed to win the past three races at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with Hamilton holding the title right now. There's a reason why we picked him in our 2017 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix predictions. He is again the favourite to win at Yas Marina for the 4th time following his victory with McLaren in 2011 and two others with his current team Mercedes in 2014 and 2016. He will face huge competition from Sebastian Vettel, who won in Brazil just two weeks ago. Vettel managed to win a crazy five times in 2017 and has been quicker in races than Lewis Hamilton a couple of times, but some mistakes and unreliability ensured that his opponent won the Drivers' Championship quite comfortably. While Vettel boasts a nice form, Hamilton is expected to win again.

Hamilton's teammate at Mercedes, Valtteri Bottas, can actually take second in the championship, but he must win in Abu Dhabi and Vettel should finish ninth. Knowing how strongly he pursues his goals, we will definitely see Bottas in the Top 3, even though it will be almost impossible for him to win and finish second. Our Abu Dhabi Grand Prix betting tips should also mention that the reason for this is because Vettel will probably not finish ninth, as his form is quite good. However, Bottas should be able to get the podium comfortably, and most F1 betting odds favour him.

Sebastian Vettel is definitely the most disappointed F1 driver right now, but he boasts the fastest lap at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and F1 predictions here are to back him for this market. He was very fast in Mexico as well as in Brazil and has shown a very consistent speed over the last few events. This is actually one of his favourite races and he should do quite well, even though he doesn't boast the best Abu Dhabi GP winner odds.

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix circuit may be relatively new on the calendar but it always provides plenty of thrills and spills. Our Abu Dhabi Grand Prix betting tips suggest it will be another tight race as the curtain comes down on a thoroughly entertaining and competitive season.