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The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will introduce a Formula 1 Sprint race for the first time in its history, organisers Ethara Live have announced. This decision comes after the release of the 2027 F1 calendar, with the Yas Marina Circuit set to host the season finale from December 9-12, 2027. The Sprint race will take place on Saturday, over a distance of 100km, with no mandatory pit stops and eight championship points available to the winner.

Yas Marina Circuit joins a growing list of 10 venues hosting Sprint races in 2027. The introduction of the Sprint format, first introduced in 2021, has proven popular with fans as it encourages high-octane racing over a 30-minute race distance. Yas Marina's CEO, Saif Rashid Al Noaimi, expressed delight at the agreement to bring the F1 Sprint to the event, stating that it would attract more fans, enhance the event's position on the global calendar, and boost Abu Dhabi's economy.

The addition of the Sprint means that racing at Yas Marina will commence on Friday, with Sprint qualifying replacing Free Practice 2 and the Sprint race itself replacing Free Practice 3 on Saturday. The Grand Prix qualifying will follow later that day, setting the grid for Sunday's season-ending race.

Fernando Alonso, acknowledging the crowd after his final F1 race at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, praised the upcoming changes. Ethara Live's Chief Portfolio & Strategy Officer, David Powell, emphasized that the event will provide an unbeatable package to ticket holders, featuring increased competitive racing on the track, an unparalleled entertainment programme, and compelling destination experiences.

As the focus shifts to the 2026 race, organizers remind fans that ticket availability for the 2026 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is limited. The event, scheduled from December 3-6, 2026, has already drawn a record attendance of 339,000 spectators in 2025. Ticket categories for the 2026 race have expanded to include F1 tickets, hotel stays, and concert access.