‘Why Abu Dhabi is the Best F1 Grand Prix’

Like many fans, Rimsha fell in love with F1 thanks to Netflix’s Drive to Survive and now says her weekends have been changed for good.

Normally watching the races in local restaurants with friends, Rimsha makes the long journey to the Yas Marina Circuit every year for her favourite sport.

It is a weekend that will not only decide a champion but also bring an end to an era of Formula 1.

Regulation changes are on the way in 2026, and we will never see these types of machines again. It is going to be an emotional one, but here is Rimsha to give us the lowdown about the full Abu Dhabi Grand Prix experience.

End of Term Vibes

Being the last race of the year means there is naturally an ‘end of term’ vibe from the paddock.

A lot of reflection, saying goodbye for the winter, and that is just the same outside of the pit lane. Last year marked our big goodbye to Lewis, and Rimsha got a front row seat for all the special celebrations.

“I honestly started crying when Lewis did the donuts because I've only ever seen that behind-the-screens,” Rimsha began.

“Not all drivers do donuts for races because of the track rules and regulations. The big-hit F1 movie was also shot at the circuit last year and that was definitely a very special moment for all of us!”

Reminders of the race are all over the circuit, weeks before F1 rolls into town.

“This Grand Prix is the final one on the race calendar and it shows! The final weeks of Nov and early Dec are just dedicated to F1, and for me everything stops to make it for that one weekend.”

Goosebumps In the Grandstands

Watching F1 live is an experience like no other, and last year Rimsha ticked off a big bucket list item to watch the qualifying and race from the main grandstand opposite the garages and starting grid.

“I experienced goosebumps when I first entered the grandstand. Honestly, l couldn't believe it. All those episodes of Drive To Survive that I had watched, where I was cheering at the race starts, and suddenly I was there cheering in the crowd when the lights went out.

“What made it extra remarkable was the sunset! The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix race starts at around 17:00 local time, so it is the most perfect backdrop for the race start and then you can watch the cars catching the golden hour before the fireworks and podium celebrations when it’s dark – it’s the best of both worlds”.

More Than Just a Circuit

Rimsha lives in Sharjah, around 160km away from Abu Dhabi, so it takes her approximately two hours to reach the circuit. A lengthy, but definitely worthwhile, commute.

Because she is not super close to the circuit, Rimsha does not get to Yas Marina much but there are certainly lots of events for fans across all seasons.

“I was born and raised in the UAE, but what’s surprising is I had never been to the Yas Marina Circuit before I tuned in to F1,” Rimsha says.

“The circuit also has events running throughout the year from drag races, autonomous events, and holiday festivities! Last year I got to visit the circuit during a national day celebration and they had beautiful fireworks along the North Grandstand area.

“I've been wanting to go cycling on the track, but we only get two good months for winter and so l always wait for December to do outdoor activities! Cycling around the track has been on my bucket list and hopefully I can do it before this year ends.”

“The Energy is Up for Everyone”

As the final race on the calendar, Abu Dhabi are keen to go out with a bang and make sure to put on a spectacular show for fans.

This year there are performances by Benson Boone, Post Malone, Calvin Harris, Metallica, and Katy Perry, so truly something for everyone!

“All race tickets come with several perks which you can access days before or after race weekend,” Rimsha says.

“There are concerts after the race, and the tickets also come with access to the amazing theme parks and museums in Abu Dhabi which is a fun way to start the race weekend.

“These are valid a day before free practice till a day after final race, so you wouldn’t have to miss out on race weekends and you get to explore events on separate days.”

There is also so much on offer in the fanzones, with so many different choices of food and drinks.

“I remember spending time at the fanzone just going around all the stalls and trying out food,” Rimsha says.

“You definitely need to go in a bit early to check out everything!”

There are also long queues for experiences like the pit lane walk, but the beautiful weather helps keep the vibes high.

“The energy is up for everyone, it feels good. The staff at the arena are really accommodating and the volunteers really look out for you by handing out water bottles and giving directions.

“Post-Sunday race blues hit immediately after, but I always love scrolling through the race weekend folder in my gallery in the days afterwards.”