What’s the Most Expensive Circuit? F1’s Whopping $533 Million Arabic Investment

Motorsports are home to iconic tracks that exemplify speed, excitement, and adrenaline, defining this fast-paced world’s heart-pounding essence. One such circuit that stands out is Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Its architectural marvel signifies luxury and has firmly established itself as a premier destination for motorsports enthusiasts.

Additionally, this circuit is recognised as the most expensive in F1. It is tucked away in a desert and meticulously presented as a brand-new track yearly. Abu Dhabi Grand Prix organisers and F1 inked a new contract in December 2021, ensuring the world championship finals until 2030. Here are some amazing facts about the world’s most expensive race track.

Details on F1’s incredible investment, the $533 million Arabian circuit

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix circuit emerges as F1’s desert flower, exhibiting impressive traits about the world championship finale. The Yas Marina circuit claims to be the priciest F1 circuit in the world. It boasts a construction cost of €500 million. However, from 2007 to 2009, a staggering number of skilled labourers dedicated their efforts to constructing the F1 track.

Abu Dhabi consists of 200 islands, including Yas Marina. It is approximately twelve times the size of Monaco, spanning 7.7 kilometres in length, 6.2 kilometres in width and covering an area of 25 square kilometres. In 2023, it marked its 15th edition, and six F1 drivers – Lewis Hamilton, Sebastian Vettel, Max Verstappen, Kimi Räikkönen, Nico Rosberg, and Valtteri Bottas – have clinched their history. 7-time world champion Hamilton hailed Yas Marina as one of his favourite circuits.

In 2021, the track was renovated. Tight curves 11 to 14 were removed, and an exciting banked bend was introduced. Turn 7’s chicane and tight hairpin were replaced with a wider turn.

How it feels to experience the world of Yas Marina circuit

Abu Dhabi blazed a trail with the first Grand Prix shifting from dusk to dawn. Jeddah adopted a similar concept. Adjacent to the race track, Ferrari World, spanning across 8 hectares, hosts over 20 Ferrari-themed attractions. In addition, one of the circuit’s unique features is a pit exit below sea level. Apart from this, it is the first to cover 60,000 seats.

The iconic W Abu Dhabi Yas Island Hotel is beside the racetrack and is inspired by Monaco’s elegance. People will be mesmerized by its vibrant LED displays, including a chequered flag and post-race chequered celebrations. Moreover, it is also one of the eight anti-clockwise F1 circuits worldwide. Its corporate blue, “Yas Blue,” represents the Arabian Gulf’s azure waters.

To sum up, Yas Marina Circuit offers a delightful viewing experience for both drivers and fans, set against a stunning backdrop perfect for memorable snapshots. What do you think about the circuit?

Read More: Who Won the 2019 F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?