Google+ Jack Leslie F1: F1 Flashback - Memorable Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Moments

19 November 2014

F1 Flashback - Memorable Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Moments

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is one of the newest additions to the Formula 1 calendar, debuting in 2009. 
© Red Bull/Getty Images
Despite the Yas Marina Circuit hosting just five F1 races, it has still produced some memorable moments. Here are a few of them. 

From day to night 
© Red Bull/Getty Images

The inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was also the first ever day-to-night race in the sport’s history. The start took place as the sun set, with the chequered flag waving under dark skies. 

It was won by Sebastian Vettel, who took over the lead from Lewis Hamilton when the Englishman retired. The Red Bull Racing driver went on to win the final round of the 2009 season by 18 seconds from his team-mate Mark Webber and world champion Jenson Button. 

Title showdown 

One year later, Vettel was in the fight for his first world title. Fernando Alonso, Webber and Lewis Hamilton were also in with a shot, but the German managed to take the championship – leading the drivers’ standings for the first time in his career – with a faultless and dominant display. 

Hamilton finished second, but it was not enough, while Alonso and Webber both got stuck behind slower cars and could not find a way through, finishing seventh and eighth.

Kimi knows what he is doing 


Who can forget Kimi Raikkonen’s epic radio message to his team during the 2012 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The Finn, who eventually won the race, was far from happy with his engineer’s instructions.

© Fernando Alonso
A few bumps 

Alonso qualified 10th for the 2013 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and managed to fight his way through the field to finish fifth. 

However, he was taken to hospital after the race following a bumpy and harsh off-track excursion across the turn three run-off area and exit kerb. 

It was a precautionary check-up after his FIA-mandated g-force alarm went off. Fortunately he was later given the all-clear for the next race.

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