The lease at Silverstone is 25 times less than the price of the most expensive F1 track (Image: Getty)
There have been a number of incredible tracks used in the history of admired by both drivers and F1 lovers. But the Yas Marina Circuit – the most expensive Formula One track that has ever been built – has definitely made a name for itself. The circuit, designed by Hermann Tilke, is located on in the wealthy city of Abu Dhabi and cost a whopping £800 million to build, which is 25 times more than the long-term lease of the land on which the Silverstone Circuit sits.
It took two years to build the Yas Marina circuit before it opened in October 2009 and hosted the 2009 . The lavish circuit features sixteen corners and two long straights. All three sectors have their own unique touch – the first features two highspeed corners whilst sector two has two long straights and both DRS (Drag Reduction System) zones. Sector three has a street circuit feel to it, where it winds around the marina front and the Yas Hotel Abu Dhabi – the inspiration behind its ‘hotel section’ nickname.
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The Yas Marina is the most expensive and technologically advanced F1 track (Image: Getty)
As well as being the most expensive Formula 1 track, it is also seen as one of the most technologically advanced tracks on the calendar. The circuit has the largest permanent lighting system of any circuit.
In 2021, Saif Al Noaimi, acting CEO of Abu Dhabi Motorsports Management, announced that modifications to the circuit’s Grand Prix layout had been approved, just in time for the 2021 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The changes included the turn 5–6 chicane and turn 7 hairpin replaced by a single hairpin to encourage better racing.
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The impressive track is located on Yas Island in Abu Dhabi (Image: Getty)
Abu Dhabi’s 17th Grand Prix is set to take place between Decmber 5 and 7 over 58 laps of the 5.821-kilometre Yas Marina Circuit. There are five grandstand areas – the main Grandstand, West Grandstand, North Grandstand, South Grandstand, and Marina Grandstand, offering incredible view of the track.
However, according to , the West Grandstand is a great place to view all “the overtaking action into Turn 6”. For those there to enjoy the atmosphere, the main grandstand is recommended to enjoy Abu Dhabi’s “famed pyrotechnics.”
An extended 10-year agreement signed between Abu Dhabi Motorsport Management and the Formula 1 Group in 2021 means that the city has the contractual right to hold the final race of the F1 season at the Yas Marina Circuit until 2030.