Welcome to the Abu Dhabi F1 24 Track Guide!
Discover how to master the iconic Yas Marina Circuit, home to the thrilling Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. This guide will provide a detailed breakdown of each sector, corner-by-corner tips, previous pole lap benchmarks, and essential car setup advice. Famous for its stunning nighttime setting, challenging corners, and exciting overtaking opportunities, Abu Dhabi is one of the most exhilarating and rewarding circuits on the Formula 1 calendar. Whether you’re a seasoned sim racer or new to the sport, this guide will help you conquer the legendary Abu Dhabi Grand Prix circuit.
Circuit Overview
- Location: Abu Dhabi, UAE
- Length: 5.281 km (3.281 miles)
- Corners: 16
- DRS Zones: 2
- Layout: A modern, challenging circuit with a mix of high-speed straights and technical corners, offering multiple overtaking opportunities.
- Surface: Smooth asphalt with varying grip levels, especially in the desert climate, which can affect tire wear and grip.
- Unique Feature: Abu Dhabi’s night race provides a stunning visual experience, with the track illuminated against the desert backdrop, making it one of the most unique and visually striking races of the season.
Sector 1: Turns 1-4
- Turn 1:
The lap begins with a long straight before approaching Turn 1, a medium speed left-hander. You’ll need to brake late but not too late to avoid overshooting. Aim for a clean apex while getting the car back on throttle early, don’t allow the car to run wide on exit. - Turn 2:
This is a fast flowing left hand kink, take plenty of kerb whilst maintaining stability, position the car for the best entry into turn 3. - Turn 3-4:
This is a fast right-left sequence of corners, clip the inside kerb and then let the car naturally run out to the edge of the circuit, without scrubbing speed. Ride over the kerb and take the path of least resistance through the small kink in turn 4.
Sector 2: Turns 5-8
- Turn 5:
This is a slow speed corner, brake late and carry the momentum through the corner, take a late apex and use the kerb to help rotate the car. Get the car as straight as possible to get a great exit, there is a long straight that follows so a clean exit is crucial to carry as much speed as possible down the back straight. Stay in the middle of the track down the straight as the track narrows half way down the straight, so you will end up on the right side of the track for the next corner. - Turn 6-7:
Leading into turn 6 is a huge braking zone, avoid locking up as this will compromise your line into turn 6. Turn in to the apex and clip the kerb, keep the car to the left on exit to get a better line for turn 7 that immediately follows. Keep the car stable on turn in and aim for the apex, bump over the kerb and avoid running wide exit as this will delay getting on the throttle. - Turn 8:
This is a left-hand kink, ride over the kerb and stay close to the wall until the track straightens, then let the car naturally flow over to the right hand side of the track.
Sector 3: Turns 9-16
- Turn 9:
Turn 9 is a sweeping left-hander where maintaining speed is key. Be mindful of tyre wear here, as this corner can be a challenge if you’re too aggressive on the throttle. Use the full width of the track to avoid any unnecessary loss of speed. - Turn 10-11-12:
These 3 corners require precision, stay in the middle of the track in turn 10 to get the smoothest line for turn 11. Turn into the apex of turn 11 and clip the kerb, let the car run out to the outside of the track to straighten the car for turn 12. As soon as you are on the outside kerb hit the brakes and trail brake into turn 12, aim for the apex and ride the kerb to rotate the car, be cautious with braking as its easy to lock the front right wheel, keep rotating the car to the right to get a good position for turn 13. - Turn 13-14:
These 2 medium speed left handers need to be taken with care, lift of the throttle and roll the car into the apex, aim towards the outside of the track to switch back to get a better line through turn 14, bump over the kerb and increase throttle but be careful of the wall on the outside of turn 14. - Turn 15:
This fast flowing right hander can be taken flat out, turn in to the apex and clip the kerb, carry the momentum to the outside of the circuit to position the car for the final corner. - Turn 16:
Brake early to settle the car on for the entry, Turn in to the apex and clip the kerb, use the camber of the track to help rotate the car, don’t allow the car to run wide on exit as the kerb on the outside can unsettle the car, you want a clean exit here to carry as much speed down the start/finish straight.
Full Qualifying Lap
In this section, you’ll find my full Abu Dhabi F1 24 qualifying lap video, where I push the limits of precision and speed to challenge myself against real-world qualifying lap times. Experience the intensity of navigating Abu Dhabi’s iconic corners like Turn 1, the tight right-hander, and the high-speed Turn 5 complex. Watch as I take on the unique demands of the Yas Marina Circuit, with its mix of fast straights and technical corners, striving to extract the maximum performance from my car. See how my lap compares to the best in Formula 1 and witness the technical mastery required to conquer this modern circuit. Join me as I aim for a pole position under the stunning Abu Dhabi night sky and immerse yourself in the excitement of the final race of the season!
Previous Pole Lap Times at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Here are the pole lap times for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in recent years, showcasing the incredible speed and precision required to master this modern and challenging circuit.
- 2024 Pole Lap: Lando Norris – 1:22.595
- 2023 Pole Lap: Max Verstappen – 1:23.445
- 2022 Pole Lap: Max Verstappen – 1:23.824
- 2021 Pole Lap: Max Verstappen – 1:22.109
- 2020 Pole Lap: Max Verstappen – 1:35.246
Personal Lap Reflection
I was really pleased with how this lap turned out overall. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix layout is one that I genuinely enjoy—it’s a fantastic track to race on, offering a perfect combination of technical sections and high-speed straights. The Yas Marina Circuit really keeps you on your toes, and it always feels satisfying when you can get everything right. The setup I used for this lap had a great balance between speed and stability, which made a huge difference. I was able to carry a lot of speed through the long, sweeping corners, especially Turns 5 and 6, and maintain good control on the high-speed sections.
Although the lap was fast enough to secure pole position by 0.279, it wasn’t absolutely perfect. I did go a little deep into Turn 14, which caused me to miss the apex. That slight mistake meant I could have squeezed out just a bit more time and shaved off a few tenths. But even with that small error, I’m happy with the overall performance. The balance of the setup gave me the confidence to push hard, and I feel like I’m getting closer to mastering this track. Abu Dhabi always brings excitement, and it’s a track I look forward to racing on every time. Hopefully, with a bit more practice, I can perfect that final sector next time!
Abu Dhabi F1 24 Setup
For my Abu Dhabi F1 24 Grand Prix qualifying lap, I used a setup tailored for a 35% race distance with 100 AI difficulty. This balanced setup offers great stability through the track’s mix of fast straights and technical corners, making it perfect for tackling the demanding sections of Yas Marina Circuit. I focused on optimizing both high-speed stability and cornering precision, ensuring the car remained responsive and planted throughout the lap. This setup didn’t require any mid-session adjustments, such as tweaking brake bias or differential settings, allowing me to adopt a “set it and forget it” approach. It’s a reliable setup that lets me focus entirely on my lap time and race performance without worrying about constant adjustments.
| Aerodynamics | Front wing | 37 |
| Rear wing | 32 | |
| Transmission | Differential on-throttle | 80% |
| Differential off-throttle | 30% | |
| Engine braking | 90% | |
| Suspension Geometry | Front camber | -3.50 |
| Rear camber | -2.20 | |
| Front toe-out | 0.00 | |
| Rear toe-in | 0.01 | |
| Suspension | Front suspension | 37 |
| Rear suspension | 5 | |
| Front anti-roll bar | 21 | |
| Rear anti-roll bar | 14 | |
| Front ride height | 20 | |
| Rear ride height | 50 | |
| Brakes | Brake pressure | 100% |
| Front brake bias | 55% | |
| Tyres | Front right tyre pressure | 26.0psi |
| Front left tyre pressure | 23.0psi | |
| Rear right tyre pressure | 25.0psi | |
| Rear left tyre pressure | 23.5psi |
Memorable Moments of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
- Lewis Hamilton’s Title Triumph (2014):
The 2014 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix stands as one of the most dramatic and thrilling title deciders in Formula 1 history. As the final race of the season, it saw Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg locked in an intense battle for the championship. The stakes were raised even higher with the introduction of double points for this race, creating an extra layer of tension and excitement. Hamilton needed to win the race to secure his second world title, while Rosberg was determined to keep his championship hopes alive. In a race filled with drama and on-track battles, Hamilton ultimately emerged victorious, clinching the title and solidifying his place as one of the sport’s greatest drivers. - Sebastian Vettel’s Inaugural Victory (2009):
The inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 2009 saw Sebastian Vettel claim victory, marking the start of his dominance in Formula 1. Driving for Red Bull Racing, Vettel outpaced his rivals with a blend of skill, strategy, and composure. This win not only secured his second-place finish in the championship but also signalled the rise of Red Bull as a dominant force in F1. Vettel’s victory in Abu Dhabi remains a key moment in the race’s history and the beginning of a legendary career. - Nico Rosberg’s Title Win (2016):
The 2016 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was the dramatic climax to one of the most intense championship battles in recent Formula 1 history, pitting Mercedes teammates Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg against each other. After years of fierce rivalry, it all came down to the final race of the season. Rosberg, who had been in the title fight all year, only needed a podium finish to secure his first-ever Formula 1 World Championship. On the other hand, Hamilton had to win the race and hope that his teammate finished outside the top three in order to snatch the title from him. In a race filled with high-stakes tension, Hamilton did everything in his power to try and close the gap, but Rosberg’s consistent performance and his defensive driving under immense pressure earned him the points he needed. Rosberg held his ground, clinching the title and realizing his childhood dream of becoming a Formula 1 World Champion, marking the end of a remarkable season and the beginning of a new era for Mercedes. - Fernando Alonso’s Championship Battle (2010):
The 2010 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was a race filled with tension, heartbreak, and missed opportunities, especially for Fernando Alonso. Heading into the final race of the season, Alonso was in a strong position, leading the championship and needing only a fourth-place finish to secure his third world title. However, things took a dramatic turn when a strategic error by Ferrari left him stuck behind Vitaly Petrov’s Renault for much of the race. Despite his best efforts, Alonso couldn’t find a way past the Russian driver, losing precious time as the race unfolded. This inability to make progress, combined with a strong performance from his competitors, ultimately cost Alonso the title. In a cruel twist of fate, Sebastian Vettel, Alonso’s championship rival, clinched the 2010 World Championship, leaving Alonso and Ferrari to rue the missed opportunity. - The controversial Title Decider (2021):
The 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is undoubtedly one of the most controversial and talked-about races in Formula 1 history. Heading into the race, Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton were tied on points, setting the stage for a thrilling, winner-takes-all showdown for the World Championship. Hamilton, who had been dominant throughout most of the race, looked set to claim his eighth title when disaster struck—an unexpected late safety car incident drastically altered the course of the race.
As the safety car came in with just one lap to go, Verstappen, who had pitted for fresh tires during the caution period, found himself in a prime position to attack. On the final lap, Verstappen passed Hamilton with blistering pace and clinched his first Formula 1 World Championship. The race was clouded by debate over the race director’s decisions regarding the safety car restart, with many questioning the fairness of the final laps.
Regardless of the controversy, Verstappen’s victory and his dramatic final-lap overtaking manoeuvre will forever be etched in the history of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, marking a historic turning point in F1 and solidifying the 2021 season as one of the most unforgettable in motorsport history.
Conclusion
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina is a unique and challenging circuit that combines high-speed straights, tight corners, and technical sections. Mastering this track requires precision, balance, and a strategic approach, especially through its iconic corners like Turn 5, Turn 9, and the challenging final sector. Whether you’re chasing pole position or racing for the win, a solid setup and consistent driving are key to success here. As one of the most memorable tracks on the Formula 1 calendar, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix continues to deliver thrilling racing and unforgettable moments for drivers and fans alike. By understanding each sector and honing your skills, you can conquer this iconic circuit and set yourself up for success in both qualifying and the race.
This brings an end to my track guide series, but stay tuned for more exciting content! I’ll be diving into product reviews, wet weather pole laps and setups, and even throwing my hand at racing in the WRC. Thanks for following along, and I look forward to sharing more with you soon!
I put together this track guide using my trusty Fanatec GT DD Pro 8Nm racing wheel paired with the F1 Esports V2 rim, along with modded CSL pedals for that extra responsiveness. I race on the PS5, seated comfortably in my modified Playseat Challenge. To elevate my performance even further, I gear up with specialized gloves and boots that provide the perfect grip and feel. This setup has truly enhanced my control and precision on the track, making every racing session not just competitive, but incredibly enjoyable!
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