Abu Dhabi: Red Bull’s Daniel Ricciardo and Max Verstappen are relishing next weekend’s Formula One Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix given the “unique” Yas Marina Circuit and the array of activities the UAE offers.
The pair have both enjoyed a hugely successful 2016, with Ricciardo assured of third place in the drivers’ championship and Verstappen in with a chance of clinching fourth at the season-ending race on November 27.
The Belgium-born Dutchman Verstappen, 19, is only five points behind the four-time world champion Sebastian Vettel after an exceptional debut campaign with Red Bull, with his daredevil driving style likened to the late, great Ayrton Senna.
He became the youngest winner of a grand prix when he won the Spanish Grand Prix in May in his first race for Red Bull after being promoted by the team as a replacement for Daniil Kvyat, who took his place at Toro Rosso.
Now he cannot wait to race in his second Abu Dhabi GP after finishing in 11th last year.
“The track design in Abu Dhabi is quite different, there are a lot of low-speed corners and combinations,” Verstappen told the Red Bull website. “The unique layout means it is challenging and a small mistake during one of the many corner sequences can ruin a lap. It is also important to have a strong car in the last sector to keep the tyres alive.”
“Away from the car, Abu Dhabi has some cool features that set it aside from other races,” he added. “The [Yas Viceroy] hotel goes over the track. which is pretty special, and it’s great for spectators in that sector. I have had a quick look around the area and spent a bit of time in Dubai, which is always good fun. Maybe this year I’ll sample a bit more Arabic food, as I haven’t really got stuck into that yet.
“Of course, it is the last race of the season and I think we can look back and be very happy with 2016. There is plenty of work to do for next year with the regulation changes and I think everyone is excited to see the new cars, so I can’t wait to get started.”
Ricciardo, 27, is similarly buoyant about his return to Yas Marina Circuit, where he finished fifth last year.
“I’ve really gone well on the track at Abu Dhabi; it’s been really enjoyable in the past, especially the last sector underneath the hotel, which is great fun,” said the Australian, whose sole grand prix victory this year came in Monaco in May. “It has a bit of a street-circuit style to the layout, which I enjoy. I had my first Formula 1 test at this track, so it holds good memories and has generally been good to me.”
Like Verstappen, Ricciardo appreciates the off-track attractions in the UAE and says the race setting makes it akin to “a Middle Eastern Monaco”.
“I love any kind of hot climate and being warm, so I’m very much looking forward to getting out there. I try to get there a little earlier than usual and stay a bit afterwards to enjoy some time in the heat and get out into the desert, ride some bikes and have some fun.
“As it is the last race of the season, I usually have some friends out for some fun and there is always a good atmosphere. It’s kind of like the Middle Eastern Monaco, and it definitely has that vibe to it. There are usually some celebrities and good parties knocking around that weekend, which adds to the buzz of the season finale.”
