Record 339,000 fans flock to Abu Dhabi for thrilling F1 season finale

The Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix drew its largest crowd on record in 2025, with a combined 339,000 fans attending races and entertainment events across Yas Island. Organiser Ethara confirmed the figures on Friday, marking a new high for both sporting and concert attendance during the season finale.

A total of 203,000 spectators watched the decisive three-way title battle unfold at Yas Marina Circuit, a rise of nearly 6 per cent from 2024. The showdown between McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen delivered one of the most dramatic conclusions in recent years, with Verstappen winning the race and Norris securing his first drivers’ title.

Abu Dhabi reigns as F1 finale hub

Entertainment proved just as strong a draw. Yasalam presented by e& and its four-night programme of Emirates NBD After-Race Concerts and official after-parties attracted 136,000 attendees, an increase of almost 9 per cent from last year. Performers included Benson Boone, Elyanna, Post Malone, Metallica and Katy Perry, alongside DJ sets from Idris Elba, Calvin Harris and Keinemusik.

Saif Rashid Al Noaimi, CEO of Ethara, said the weekend would be remembered as a milestone for the event. “This year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be remembered for decades with the F1 title battle unfolding under the floodlights of Yas Marina Circuit. At Ethara, we’re proud to have delivered the weekend befitting such a historic occasion,” he said. “Abu Dhabi has once again proven it is the ultimate destination for the F1 season finale.”

Fans were also offered extended access to the circuit, including two public pit lane walks and FAB Track Walks on Thursday, which recorded its largest footfall in the event’s history. Concert headliner Benson Boone appeared at the After-Race Concert that evening, helping turn what is usually a warm-up day into a major attraction.

Celebrity appearances added to the weekend’s profile. Among those spotted in the paddock were Ana de Armas, who waved the chequered flag, Jason Statham, Emily Ratajkowski, Madelaine Petsch, Jessica Chastain, Bill Gates and sports stars Thierry Henry, Ronaldinho and Jannik Sinner.

Ethara also reported progress on sustainability efforts. The event tripled its use of temporary solar power, with several track areas running entirely on clean energy. All temporary generators operated on biofuel blends and air-to-water stations produced more than 260,000 litres of drinking water, removing the need for more than 520,000 plastic bottles.

Registration for tickets to the 2026 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is now open at AbuDhabiGP.com.