In February 2007 at the inaugural Abu Dhabi F1 Festival in the presence of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, the inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was announced. It was later announced that the circuit had secured a deal to host the event until 2016.

Originally scheduled for November 15, the race was brought forward two weeks following the withdrawal of the French and Canadian races. In November 2009 the Yas Marina Circuit enjoyed the honour of hosting the season finale. The race made the history books as the first day-night race, starting at twilight and ending in darkness. Floodlights were used to ensure a seamless transition from daylight to darkness.

The inaugural race was won by Red Bull's Sebastian Vettel after Lewis Hamilton was forced to retire with brake problems. Vettel's team-mate Mark Webber finished in second ahead of the newly-crowned champion Jenson Button.

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