The 2010 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is remembered as a dramatic and unexpected twist in Formula 1 history — where Fernando Alonso, the clear favorite for the title, lost out in a strategic miscalculation that handed Sebastian Vettel his first-ever World Championship.

The Setup

Heading into the final race at Yas Marina Circuit, Alonso led the championship standings, with Mark Webber and Vettel close behind. For Alonso, finishing fourth or higher would be enough to secure the title. With Ferrari seemingly in control, the Spanish driver looked poised to become a three-time world champion.

A Costly Strategic Error

But everything changed on lap 15. Red Bull pitted Webber early, prompting Ferrari to respond by bringing Alonso in to cover him. This move proved costly. Both drivers rejoined the track behind Renault’s Vitaly Petrov, who defended brilliantly for over 40 laps. Despite Alonso’s desperate attempts, he couldn’t pass the Russian — and the championship slipped through his fingers.

Meanwhile, Sebastian Vettel, unbothered at the front, won the race and — to everyone’s surprise — the World Championship, becoming the youngest F1 champion in history at just 23 years old.

Luxury Meets Speed

The drama on track is matched by the luxury off it. During the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend, many visitors opt to rent high-end sports cars, from Ferraris to Bentleys, to cruise the glamorous streets of Yas Island and Abu Dhabi. Whether it’s for style, thrill, or just soaking up the race weekend energy, driving a supercar becomes part of the Formula 1 experience.

A Legendary Upset

The 2010 Abu Dhabi GP became an instant classic — not because the fastest car won, but because of how a tactical error changed the destiny of the championship. Alonso’s heartbreak was Vettel’s breakthrough. The race marked the beginning of Red Bull Racing’s dominance, with Vettel going on to win four consecutive titles.