The 2010 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit was a race that stunned fans and drivers alike. Coming into the season finale, four drivers — Fernando Alonso, Mark Webber, Sebastian Vettel, and Lewis Hamilton — were all in contention for the world championship, a rare and thrilling scenario that had never happened before in Formula 1 history.

Unexpected Strategy Drama

Most expected a tight battle between Alonso and Webber, who were leading the standings. However, Red Bull’s Sebastian Vettel, then just 23 years old, had other plans. Starting from pole, Vettel led the race from the front while chaos unfolded behind him. Ferrari and Red Bull made strategy errors, especially Ferrari, who pitted Alonso early in response to Webber — a move that ultimately trapped Alonso behind slower cars for the rest of the race.

Explore Abu Dhabi Behind the Wheel

Attending the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is a sensory overload — the roar of engines, the vibrant crowds, and the glowing lights of Yas Marina. And to truly experience the city's luxury and adrenaline, many visitors choose to rent a high-end car for the weekend. From sleek Ferraris to bold Lamborghinis, supercar rentals in Abu Dhabi are the perfect way to embrace the racing spirit and cruise the roads in style during F1 week.

A Surprise Champion

While Alonso and Webber were stuck in traffic, Vettel ran a flawless race at the front. When he crossed the finish line, it wasn't immediately clear that he had won the title — but once the points were confirmed, Vettel was crowned the youngest World Champion in F1 history at the time. It was a moment of disbelief and triumph for Red Bull Racing.

Why the 2010 Abu Dhabi GP Stands Out

  • A four-way title decider — extremely rare in F1.
  • Strategic mistakes that reshuffled the championship outcome.
  • Sebastian Vettel’s emotional first world title win.
  • Ferrari’s infamous strategy call that cost Alonso the championship.
  • The beginning of Red Bull’s dominant era in Formula 1.

The 2010 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix remains a classic, not for its on-track overtakes, but for the high-stakes drama, unexpected twists, and the crowning of a new, young champion who would go on to rewrite the record books.