The 2025 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix week drew a record 339,000 visitors to Yas Island events, highlighting the race’s growing popularity.

The Yas Marina Circuit witnessed one of the most thrilling final rounds in the championship's history, with a heated triple competition between McLaren drivers Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, and Red Bull driver Max Verstappen. An impressive 203,000 spectators followed the decisive round from the stands, a notable increase compared to last year's 192,000 spectators.

In addition to the excitement on the track with Verstappen's victory in the race and Norris clinching his first title, the Yasalam entertainment program attracted a record 136,000 fans (an increase of approximately 9% compared to the 2024 attendance of 125,300) during four evenings of post-race concerts by Emirates NBD, featuring Benson Boone, Elyanna, Post Malone, Metallica, and Katy Perry, alongside official after-party performances by Idris Elba, Calvin Harris, and the band Cain Music.

Saif Rashid Al Noaimi, CEO of Ethara, remarked: "This year's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will remain a milestone in Formula 1 history, with the championship title decided under the lights of Yas Marina Circuit. At Ethara, we take pride in delivering an event that meets the level of this exceptional occasion."

He added: "The race attracted the largest audience since its inception, supported by a world-class entertainment program and unique fan experiences, including new hospitality concepts, platforms, and innovative activities at the race site, along with expanded ticket benefits. All these elements contributed to delivering an unforgettable experience. Abu Dhabi has once again succeeded in cementing its position as the best destination for hosting the championship's final round."

Lando Norris. (AFP)

Among the most notable additions this year was the expansion of fan activities, including two open sessions in the pit area and track walks by First Abu Dhabi Bank (FAB) on Thursday. With Benson Boone's remarkable performance during the post-race concerts, Thursday became a day full of entertainment and fan experiences, recording the largest Thursday attendance in the event's history.

As the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix solidifies its position as one of the most high profile races in the Formula 1 world, the Paddock area witnessed the appearance of several global stars, including concert headliners: Benson Boone, Katy Perry, and Metallica, along with actress Ana de Armas waving the checkered flag, actors Jason Statham, Emily Ratajkowski, Madelaine Petsch, Jessica Chastain, businessman and philanthropist Bill Gates, and sports legends Thierry Henry, Ronaldinho, and Jannik Sinner.

With growing public interest year after year, Ethara is further developing sustainable initiatives to reinforce its environmental commitments. The 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix saw a threefold increase in temporary solar energy use, powering several key areas of the track - including turns 2, 5, and 9 - entirely with clean energy. All temporary generators relied on 100% biofuel within the B5 and B20 categories, significantly reducing emissions across operational procedures during the event.

The partnership with Emirati company Ma-Hawa, specialized in producing water from air, was one of this year’s key initiatives. The stations distributed at fan locations produced over 260,000 liters of water, eliminating the need for more than 520,000 half-liter plastic bottles over the four days of the event.

With history made on the track and entertainment unfolding across Yas Island, the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix emerged as the largest and most exciting edition yet, providing a fitting finale to Formula 1’s historic 75th season.