Your ultimate guide to Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2019
There’s so much more than just racing at the four-day extravaganza this November…
As the eyes of the sporting world look to Abu Dhabi from Thursday November 28 to Sunday December 1, we’re rounding up the best of the action both on and off the track.
From everything you need to know about the big race to the concerts, brunches and parties that go on before, during and after the race, this is your definitive guide to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2019.
The Race
In an ideal world, the last race of the season would end with the championship still up for grabs, and an exciting decider taking place at Yas Marina Circuit – but that’s not the case in 2019.
British star Lewis Hamilton successfully secured his sixth Grand Prix title in the US at the start of October. Second place will go to his Mercedes team mate, Valtteri Bottas, who is 65 points clear of Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc with two races to go. Hamilton’s team, Mercedes, is also way ahead in the Constructor’s Championship, with 695 points (Ferrari, in second place, only have 479 points).
Timings
On Friday November 29, the first practice round will take place between 1pm and 2.30pm UAE time, with the second one taking place from 5pm to 6.30pm. The third practice round will happen at 2pm on Saturday November 30, with qualifying from 5pm.
The final race of the 2019 F1 season will take place on Sunday December 1, with the 55-lap race kicking off from 5.10pm
The Music
Remember, tickets for the after-race concerts can’t be purchased individually, and come as part of the race weekend ticket packages. Golden Circle upgrades are available from Dhs195.
Marshmello
Happier hitmaker, Marshmello will open the weekend on the Yasalam After Race Concerts at du Arena on Thursday November 28. When the mysterious helmet-wearing music producer takes the stage at du Arena later this year, fans can expect to hear an array of his hit singles such as Happier, Wolves, Friends, Alone and Silence – all of which were clues to Yas Marina circuit’s teaser post when making the announcement.
Future and Gucci Mane
After Travis Scott was forced to pull out of his after race performance due to unforeseen circumstances, organisers drafted in Future and Gucci Mane to take his place, with both performing at du Arena on Friday November 29. Rap fans can look forward to Future making his return to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, having performed at MAD on Yas Island last year. He’ll take to the stage alongside Gucci Mane, who performed in Dubai for the first time in October, when he headlined at Drai’s famous catwalk stage.
Lana Del Rey
Singer-songwriter Lana Del Rey will also perform at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after race concerts, taking the stage on Saturday November 30. Elizabeth Woolridge Grant, known professionally as Lana Del Rey, captured the world’s attention with her debut single Video Games in 2011. Her unique musical style has been described as ‘Hollywood sadcore’ or alternative pop, as she takes influences from a variety of opposing genres. Fans can expect some of her biggest past and current hits, including Video Games, Born to Die, Summertime Sadness and West Coast. It will be the first time that the songstress has performed in the UAE.
The Killers
Synth-rockers The Killers will perform at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after race concerts in 2019. The Mr Brightside hitmakers will close the show on the Yasalam After Race Concerts at du Arena on Sunday December 1. When the four-piece rock band take to the stage at du Arena, fans can expect to hear an array of their singles from the last two decades including Somebody Told Me, Human and their iconic hit, Mr Brightside.
Brunches and parties
Base Abu Dhabi
Dubai’s award-winning Base nightclub will be hosting a pop-up in Yas Marina, above Cipriani. Each night, they’ll welcome a different musical star, top level entertainment and plenty of celebrity guests. On Friday, things kick off with Ibiza-based DJ and producer Damian Lazarus, Saturday November 30 will see a live performance from Tyga, while Trey Songz will round off the weekend on Sunday December 1. Doors will open at midnight and tables start from Dhs5,000.
Tel: (055) 934 8261
Amber Lounge
Amber Lounge’s F1 parties are some of the most wow-worthy, sought after invitations at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This year, they’ll be hosting a party onboard their super yacht on Saturday November 30 from 7.30pm. There’ll be canapes and premium beverages served until 2am, as well as a DJ and live entertainment. Tickets are priced from $700 (Dhs2570). Then on Sunday December 1, they’ll be moving the party over to their Amber Lounge pop-up at Yas Links Golf Club. In previous years, the party has been attended by celebrities and drivers, so you can expect a VIP guestlist this year too. Open from 11pm to late, it’ll feature a live DJ set from Sigma, alongside an array of live entertainment. Passes start from Dhs3,050, including an open bar.
Diablito
Yas Marina’s Diablito will play host to a five-day spectacular from Thursday November 28 to Monday December 2, with an array of the UAE’s industry-leading entertainment promoters doing a takeover each night. The Big Race Weekender kicks off on Thursday with City Vibes’ DJ KaBoo and The Project’s Saif and Sound taking over the decks, followed by Industrial Avenue’s popular hip hop night, Steezy, on Friday. Electronic music lovers are in for a treat on Saturday when Boogie Box bring internationally-acclaimed techno and house producer Raxon to Yas Marina. Then Sunday night will see DJ Bliss and the 411 crew takeover, with an 80s and 90s party rounding things off on Monday. There’s both brunch and evening packages available each day.
Ramusake at W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island
Upscale Japanese eatery Ramusake is headed to the capital for a huge F1 takeover running from Wednesday November 27 until Sunday December 1. The five-day pop up will offer an array of brunch and dinner packages, starting from Dhs800, and will be perfectly positioned on the glass bridge positioned directly over the race track. On Wednesday November 27 and Thursday November 28, guests can enjoy a set menu of Ramusake’s signatures as well as free-flowing drinks from 8pm to 11pm for Dhs800. On Friday, a brunch from 2pm to 6pm will offer free flowing drinks and a set menu priced from Dhs800, while dinner service in the evening will require a Dhs1000 minimum spend. If you want to catch the action from the track on Saturday, brunch from 2pm to 6pm is priced at Dhs1100 (early bird), while a minimum spend of Dhs1200 applies in the evening. On race day, guests can expect to pay Dhs1,500 for brunch, which will run from 2pm to 6pm, and a minimum spend of Dhs900 when dining in the evening.
Secret Parties at W Abu Dhabi – Yas Island
Secret Parties have partnered with Inside Lifestyle to offer a brunch package each day on Friday November 29, Saturday November 30 and Sunday December 1, taking place on the Royal Rich List Terrace. Each day from 1pm to 5pm, guests are invited to enjoy brunch including a range of delicious food, plus unlimited champagne, spirits, wine and beer. You’ll also get access to the Marina Grandstand and a ticket to the after-race concert. Opt for the gold package and gain access to the Inside Lifestyle VIP area, where premium track views await. Prices start from Dhs1,500 on Friday and Saturday and from Dhs3700 on Sunday.
secret-parties.com/secretbrunchf1abudhabi
Wet Deck
Epic Grand Prix pool party OKOKO will be taking over Wet Deck for a three-day festival of fun. On Friday November 29, Defected DJ Sandy Rivera and friends will be headlining, and on Saturday November 30, Faithless and friends will host a party with ‘jaw-dropping neon production’. the closing party on Sunday December 1 will be hosted by clatptone with a carnival theme from 9pm to 4am to round off the weekend.
Candypants Mega Yacht Party
Candypants trackside mega yacht is ]returning for 2019, with both brunch and after party packages available on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The 12-hour mega yacht brunch package will serve up free flowing food and drink from midday until 12am, and is priced at Dhs1,990 on Friday and Saturday and Dhs4,990 on Sunday. For a more wallet-friendly option, board the trackside mega yacht afterparty, with packages from 8pm until 12am priced at Dhs499 across all three evenings.
Iris
Hidden Brunch, one of Love Parties finest party brunch creations, is racing up to the capital to take over Iris at Yas Marina Circuit from Friday November 29 to Sunday December 1 with three days of back-to-back brunching. It’ll run from 1pm to 4pm on Friday and Saturday, priced at Dhs699, and 2pm to 5pm on Sunday, priced at Dhs799. There are discounts for ladies who book only the prosecco package too.
Casa De Cuba
Candypants will be returning with their “Social Pit Lane” home at Casa De Cuba in Yas Marina and launching a Formula 1 Candypants brunch for the first time this F1. The Social Pit Lane will be open each day until 5am, offering free entry until midnight and regular bar service to all guests at Casa De Cuba. In true Candypants style, expect fun props, a lively party atmosphere and rotation of their resident DJs filling the dance floor. This year, Casa de Cuba will also be home to a Candypants party brunch every day from Thursday to Sunday, offering three hours of food and drink (including bubbly) to guests. On Thursday evening, the brunch will run from 8pm to 11pm and be priced at Dhs499 and from Friday to Sunday, brunch will take place from 1pm to 4pm, priced at Dhs699 per person.
Mr Miyagi’s
Mr Miyagi’s Yas Island will be keeping the action going off the track with four editions of their popular Wok N Roll party brunch. Offering five courses of Asian sharing dishes as well as three hours of free-flowing drinks, it’s priced at Dhs249 on Thursday from 8pm to 11pm, and Dhs499 on Friday, Saturday and Sunday for the afternoon edition, which runs from 1pm to 4pm. As always, expect crowd karaoke, live performances, games and prizes and plenty more.
Aquarium
Boasting a gorgeous terrace that overlooks Yas Marina, seafood restaurant Aquarium is hosting a weekend of brunch packages that start from Dhs499. Available from 5pm to 8pm on Thursday and from 12pm to 4pm on Friday, Saturday and Sunday, it’s Dhs499 just for the brunch package, or Dhs699 for brunch plus general admission to the after race concert, Abu Dhabi Hill and the Pit Lane walk.