ABU DHABI: With just over a week to go until the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, preparations are nearing completion ahead of what could be a dramatic three-way title showdown at Yas Marina Circuit.

A superb win for reigning champion Max Verstappen and a double disqualification for McLaren — who have already secured the constructors’ championship — in Las Vegas means the drivers’ title hangs in the balance; just 24 points separate Lando Norris from Oscar Piastri and Verstappen.

With 58 points on offer over the final two rounds, the honors could be decided in Qatar this weekend but will more likely roll on to the final Grand Prix of the season. The excitement takes place from Dec. 4-7, with the race taking place on the Sunday.

The Yas Island track is almost ready for the arrival of the 10 F1 teams, their drivers and a blockbuster lineup of entertainment. Last year’s event drew 192,000 spectators over the four days, and organizers say early indicators suggest 2025 is on course to surpass that figure, with fans expected from 105 countries.

Saif Al-Noaimi, CEO of Ethara, said the event continued to cement its position as one of the region’s premier sporting and cultural events: “Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is the most anticipated weekend on the region’s sporting calendar and the one we prepare for the whole 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.”

Across Yas Island, hundreds of specialists are finishing work on the 5.28 km-circuit, its grandstands, fan zones and hospitality areas. More than 40,000 personnel — from UAE contractors and operations teams to food and beverage vendors and volunteers — are involved in delivering the event and ensuring it runs smoothly.

This year’s race weekend will also feature the most ambitious entertainment program in its history. Eight artists will headline the Yasalam presented by e& concerts at Etihad Park, including Benson Boone, Post Malone, Elyanna, Metallica and Katy Perry. Official after-parties will feature performances by Calvin Harris, Idris Elba and Keinemusik.

David Powell, Ethara’s chief strategy and business development officer, described the event as “our region’s Super Bowl,” adding: “It is the biggest spectacle in the F1 calendar and an entertainment powerhouse, showcasing our ambition at Ethara.”

Sustainability will play a central role this year. The sport is advancing its environmental commitments, including reducing Scope 1 and 2 emissions by 50 percent by 2030 and shifting to 100 percent renewable energy by 2035. Single-use plastic bottles and cups have been eliminated across Yas Marina Circuit and Etihad Park, replaced with sustainable alternatives and supported by free water refill stations. Canned water from Ma Hawa — produced using air-to-water technology and recyclable packaging — will also be available. F&B vendors are moving to canned beverages, paper cups and reusable “Again Please” cup systems.

Building on the solar car park launched in 2024, which already supplies 30 percent of the circuit’s energy needs, the 2025 Grand Prix will triple its temporary solar capacity, increase battery storage sixfold and power all temporary generators with biofuel.

With a fiercely contested championship, global entertainment slate and strengthened sustainability, this year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be the largest and most spectacular yet.