F1 Grand Prix Week Guide

Fifty-eight laps. Three drivers. One championship.

Formula 1’s 2025 season is heading for its most thrilling conclusion in 15 years. For the first time since 2010, the world championship is going to be decided by three drivers at the final round. Yes, you read that right!

After a chaotic Qatar Grand Prix erased McLaren’s comfortable lead, Lando Norris arrived in Abu Dhabi with 408 points, just ahead of Max Verstappen on 396 and Oscar Piastri on 392.

Sunday’s sunset-to-night race on December 7th will crown either Norris as a first-time world champion, Verstappen as a historic five-time consecutive title holder, or Piastri in one of F1’s greatest upsets.**** With floodlit racing, world-class concerts, Michelin-level dining, and nonstop nightlife, the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is not just a Formula 1 race, it’s the most high-octane motorsport festival on the planet! 

The Championship Math

Norris leads with 408 points and controls his destiny. A podium finish on Sunday guarantees him the title regardless of what happens behind. Verstappen, twelve points back on 396, must win and hope Norris finishes fourth or lower while Piastri sits third on 392 points and remains mathematically in contention, but realistically needs complete chaos with both rivals to encounter predicaments.

The Race Weekend Experience

The festival begins on Thursday, December 4th, with exclusive pit lane walks for selected ticket holders. Friday, December 5th features Practice 1 from 1:30–2:30 PM and Practice 2 from 5:00–6:00 PM. Saturday, December 6th delivers Practice 3 from 2:30–3:30 PM, followed by high-stakes Qualifying from 6:00–7:00 PM under the lights.

The big race day on Sunday, the 7th of December, begins early with full fan zone access and the drivers’ parade from 3:00–3:30 PM, offering close-up views of all 20 drivers before the championship battle begins.

Five massive climate-controlled fan zones called “Oases” sit around the circuit, each offering giant race screens, food and drinks, gaming experiences, and live entertainment. All ticket holders can move freely between them throughout the weekend.

Concert Lineup and After-Parties

Each race night transitions seamlessly into a city-wide music festival at Etihad Park, with concerts included in the race tickets. Gates open nightly at 6:00 PM, with shows running until 11:00 PM.

Thursday features Benson Boone, the American singer-songwriter whose hit single "Beautiful Things" dominated charts throughout 2024. Friday brings forth the American rapper Post Malone, supported by Arab pop-star Elyanna, blending hip-hop, rock, and pop throughout Abu Dhabi's Middle Eastern setting while introducing Western audiences to the world of Arab-pop. 

But that’s not all! Beyond the main stage, Keinemusik takes over Yas Gateway Park from 8:00 PM until 5:00 AM, while Idris Elba DJs at Garden on Yas from 8:00 PM to 1:00 AM!

Saturday is the weekend’s biggest night as Metallica let loose their discography in Etihad Park with a two-hour career-spanning set! The official after-party belongs to Calvin Harris at Garden on Yas from 9:00 PM to 3:00 AM, presented by Ushuaïa Ibiza. The Scottish DJ-producer brings his chart-topping dance anthems like "Summer," "Feel So Close,"  and "This Is What You Came For" to an outdoor venue designed for exactly this purpose. Tickets start at AED1,025 and are selling out rapidly! 

Sunday’s celebrations wind down with more relaxed after-parties at Deck at Nine and Ce La Vie at Luna Lounge until 1:00–3:00 AM.

Food and Beverage Experiences

Garden on Yas at W Abu Dhabi offers premium but accessible hospitality with outdoor views over Turns 8, 11, and 12. Day passes start at AED 995 and include DJ entertainment, Mediterranean food, and free-flowing soft drinks, beer, wine, and basic cocktails.

Horizon Terrace delivers rooftop dining with views of Turns 2 to 4. Its four-day packages range from AED 6,495 to 7,995 with gourmet dishes including seared tuna, aged steaks, and live chef stations. Premium packages add house wine and beer.

Deck at Two on Flag Hill offers fine dining with views of Turns 2, 4, and 5 for AED 13,520 across four days, while Deck at Nine delivers Greek cuisine, live dancers, Turn 9 views, and free-flowing champagne for AED 13,570.

Casual food courts across every grandstand feature Shake Shack, Tim Hortons, Subway, and regional vendors, while the five Oases provide quick grab-and-go options with shorter queues.

Tickets and booking

Tickets range from AED 1,450 for general admission to AED 55,400 for ultimate Paddock Club access. Every ticket includes entry to all five Oases, one-day access to a Yas Island theme park, entry to Louvre Abu Dhabi and Qasr Al Watan, and after-race concerts depending on ticket duration.

VIP F1 Experiences packages add pit lane walks, garage tours, driver meet-and-greets, and premium hospitality above the team garages, starting around AED 17,000 and rising to AED 55,400.

Tickets are available through the official Abu Dhabi GP site (abudhabigp.com), Formula 1’s ticket portal (https://tickets.formula1.com), and authorized resellers such as Motorsport Tickets, F1 Experiences, and GP1 Tickets. The Abu Dhabi GP app is mandatory for digital tickets, live schedules, maps, and in-app upgrades.

The 2025 F1 season finale is set to deliver one of racing's most dramatic weekends in 15 years. Don’t miss out on this one!