Get all your news in one place.

100’s of premium titles.
One app.

Get all your news in one place.

100’s of premium titles. One news app.

Motorsport

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix sets record attendance for tense drivers' title showdown

Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Abu Dhabi Benson Boone Katy Perry Lando Norris Max Verstappen

The 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit reached an attendance record for the tense season finale.

The race featured the exciting drivers' championship title battle between McLaren's Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri and Red Bull's Max Verstappen, which was sure to be a large contributing factor for the record crowds of 203,000 - an increase from 192,000 spectators in 2024.

In addition to the on-track battle, which ultimately ended with Verstappen taking the race win and Norris claiming the drivers' title, the headline musical acts, including Metallica, Katy Perry, Benson Boone, Post Malone and Elyanna, could have been a selling point for fans. Official after parties also featured Calvin Harris, Idris Elba and Keinemusik.

Saif Al Noaimi, CEO of the race organiser Ethara, said: "Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is the most anticipated weekend on the region’s sporting calendar and the one we prepare for all year.

"The 2025 event promises to be remarkable, with more fans, more racing, more entertainment, and exciting new experiences on and off the track. We cannot wait to welcome everyone in Abu Dhabi."

David Powell, Ethara’s chief strategy and business development officer, also said: "The event has become our region’s Super Bowl. It is the biggest spectacle on the F1 calendar and an entertainment powerhouse, showcasing our ambition at Ethara.

Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls Team (Photo by: Sam Bagnall / Sutton Images via Getty Images)

"From concerts and parties to fashion and celebrity appearances, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is a landmark destination event delivering unmissable enjoyment for all."

It was not just fans who flocked to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The star-studded paddock included appearances from actress Ana de Armas, who waved the chequered flag, musicians Katy Perry and Benson Boone, and sporting legends Thierry Henry, Micah Richards, Ronaldinho and Jannik Sinner.

Paddock regulars Terry Crews and Gordon Ramsay also attended season finale.

Photos from Abu Dhabi GP - Race

Lando Norris, McLaren

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Lando Norris, McLaren, Oscar Piastri, McLaren, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls Team

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Lando Norris, McLaren, Oscar Piastri, McLaren, Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Charles Leclerc, Ferrari

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Alexander Albon, Williams

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Lando Norris, McLaren, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Pierre Gasly, Alpine, Franco Colapinto, Alpine

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Lando Norris, McLaren, Oscar Piastri, McLaren, George Russell, Mercedes

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Jannik Sinner, Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team, Oliver Bearman, Haas F1 Team

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Lando Norris, McLaren, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin Racing

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

George Russell, Mercedes

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Pierre Gasly, Alpine

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Yuki Tsunoda, Red Bull Racing

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Carlos Sainz, Williams

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Ana de Armas

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Isack Hadjar, Racing Bulls Team, Alain Prost

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Lando Norris, McLaren, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Pierre Gasly, Alpine

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari, Lance Stroll, Aston Martin Racing, Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Lando Norris, McLaren, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Charles Leclerc, Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Lando Norris, McLaren

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Lando Norris, McLaren

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Pierre Gasly, Alpine

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Liam Lawson, Racing Bulls Team

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Start action

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Lando Norris, McLaren, Oscar Piastri, McLaren, Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Lewis Hamilton, Ferrari

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

George Russell, Mercedes, Andrea Kimi Antonelli, Mercedes

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Lando Norris, McLaren, Oscar Piastri, McLaren

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Esteban Ocon, Haas F1 Team

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Carlos Sainz, Williams

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Pierre Gasly, Alpine

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Oscar Piastri, McLaren

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Andrea Stella, McLaren, Zak Brown, McLaren

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Lando Norris, McLaren

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Lando Norris, McLaren

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Lando Norris, McLaren, Andrea Stella, McLaren

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Zak Brown, McLaren

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing, Zak Brown, McLaren

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Charles Leclerc, Ferrari

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Oscar Piastri, McLaren, Zak Brown, McLaren

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Lando Norris, McLaren

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Max Verstappen, Red Bull Racing

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Lando Norris, McLaren

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Lando Norris, McLaren

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Lando Norris, McLaren

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Lando Norris, McLaren

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Lando Norris, McLaren

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Lando Norris, McLaren

Abu Dhabi GP - Sunday, in photos

Formula 1

68

Sign up to read this article

Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.

Already a member? Sign in here

Top stories on inkl right now

Judge issues temporary order to block officials from detaining Kilmar Ábrego García

Judge issues temporary order to block officials from detaining Kilmar Ábrego García

Ábrego was freed from immigration detention facility in Pennsylvania after federal judge ordered his release

The Guardian - US

First Thing: Indiana Republicans reject effort to redraw voting maps in rebuke to Trump

First Thing: Indiana Republicans reject effort to redraw voting maps in rebuke to Trump

Measure to add two GOP-friendly seats failed 19-31 after 21 Republicans joined 10 Democrats. Plus, how the Paris climate treaty changed the world

The Guardian - UK

Nobel winner Machado snuck through 10 checkpoints in Venezuela in a wig to reach Norway in daring three-day journey

Nobel winner Machado snuck through 10 checkpoints in Venezuela in a wig to reach Norway in daring three-day journey

The exiled Venezuelan opposition leader crossed the Caribbean Sea in a fishing boat before being escorted to Norway in a US plane

The Independent UK

Dad is reunited with his daughter abducted by her mother 42 years ago: ‘I didn’t even know if she was alive’

Dad is reunited with his daughter abducted by her mother 42 years ago: ‘I didn’t even know if she was alive’

Michelle Newton has reunited with her father Joe Newton after 43 years apart when she was abducted by her mother

The Independent UK

One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites

Already a member? Sign in here

Charlie Kirk Murder Suspect Tyler Robinson Makes His First In-Court Appearance Since Arrest

Charlie Kirk Murder Suspect Tyler Robinson Makes His First In-Court Appearance Since Arrest

The 22-year-old Utah resident has been accused by authorities of the murder of the conservative activist in September at an on-campus event at Utah Valley University.

Indiana Republicans reject effort to redraw voting maps in rebuke to Trump

Indiana Republicans reject effort to redraw voting maps in rebuke to Trump

Measure to redistrict, which would add two GOP-friendly seats, failed 19-31 after 21 Republicans joined 10 Democrats

The Guardian - US

Related Stories

Top stories on inkl right now

Judge issues temporary order to block officials from detaining Kilmar Ábrego García

Judge issues temporary order to block officials from detaining Kilmar Ábrego García

Ábrego was freed from immigration detention facility in Pennsylvania after federal judge ordered his release

The Guardian - US

First Thing: Indiana Republicans reject effort to redraw voting maps in rebuke to Trump

First Thing: Indiana Republicans reject effort to redraw voting maps in rebuke to Trump

Measure to add two GOP-friendly seats failed 19-31 after 21 Republicans joined 10 Democrats. Plus, how the Paris climate treaty changed the world

The Guardian - UK

Nobel winner Machado snuck through 10 checkpoints in Venezuela in a wig to reach Norway in daring three-day journey

Nobel winner Machado snuck through 10 checkpoints in Venezuela in a wig to reach Norway in daring three-day journey

The exiled Venezuelan opposition leader crossed the Caribbean Sea in a fishing boat before being escorted to Norway in a US plane

The Independent UK

Dad is reunited with his daughter abducted by her mother 42 years ago: ‘I didn’t even know if she was alive’

Dad is reunited with his daughter abducted by her mother 42 years ago: ‘I didn’t even know if she was alive’

Michelle Newton has reunited with her father Joe Newton after 43 years apart when she was abducted by her mother

The Independent UK

One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites

Already a member? Sign in here

Charlie Kirk Murder Suspect Tyler Robinson Makes His First In-Court Appearance Since Arrest

Charlie Kirk Murder Suspect Tyler Robinson Makes His First In-Court Appearance Since Arrest

The 22-year-old Utah resident has been accused by authorities of the murder of the conservative activist in September at an on-campus event at Utah Valley University.

Indiana Republicans reject effort to redraw voting maps in rebuke to Trump

Indiana Republicans reject effort to redraw voting maps in rebuke to Trump

Measure to redistrict, which would add two GOP-friendly seats, failed 19-31 after 21 Republicans joined 10 Democrats

The Guardian - US

Our Picks

A Hollywood ending? Inside the final days of LeBron James in Los Angeles

A new book explores how an all-time great and a world famous franchise handle the waning of a monumental career

The Guardian - US

Jennifer Lawrence and Josh Hutcherson to return for latest Hunger Games instalment

Currently in production the second prequel in the series, Sunrise on the Reaping, will likely feature the married couple ‘in a flash-forward’

The Guardian - UK

What it takes to be wealthy in America: $2.3 million, Charles Schwab says

Survey respondents said it feels like it takes more money to feel wealthy today compared with last year.

Last Christmas: An East Texas Christmas tree farm closes after 40 years, despite booming sales

Christmas tree sales are up in the Lone Star State, even as many tree farmers are aging out of the business with no successors.

The Texas Tribune

Taylor Swift Gifts Herself Another Meaningful Saint Laurent Bag Before Her 'Late Show' Stop

This 'Showgirl' is still a 'Tortured Poet.'

Diddy's 'Twisted' Necklace: Did Netflix Doc Just Confirm Jailed Rapper's Link to the Illuminati?

A distinctive necklace worn by Diddy in the Netflix doc Sean Combs: The Reckoning sparks massive conspiracy theories about his secret ties to the Illuminati and Freemasonry.

International Business Times UK

Fourteen days free

Download the app

One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.

Download on the AppStore

Get it on Google Play