Formula 1 Racing has long been a sport shrouded in mystery and intrigue, with motoring enthusiasts worldwide marvelling at the ever-changing technology used to bring both driver and machine together. This fiercely competitive sport is packaged each year in a season of motor racing that visits over 5 continents and 15 countries around the globe. It’s one of the few avenues in which manufacturers can display their engineering know-how as the very pinnacles of aerodynamic, engine and other technologies are harnessed in the pursuit of hundreds of a seconds per lap; in doing so, teams ensure that their cars and drivers can strive for the very best in each race.
Attending a Formula 1 Grand Prix was definitely on my bucket list, and thus I was extremely excited to hear that I would be joining the Red Bull and Infiniti team at the 2012 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the spectacular Yas Marina Circuit. This relatively new circuit was first opened in 2009 on the Yas Island in Abu Dhabi. Located on the Persian Gulf (and thus at sea level) engine performance is at its optimal best. At the centre of the circuit is the infamous Yas Marina Hotel, covered in a spectacularly curved LED blanket that lights the night sky in an array of colours. The track is 5.5 km long, equating to a total race distance of 305 km – over 55 laps.
Business Class flights and 5 star luxury accommodation provided by Infiniti South Africa, re-affirmed the brands dedication to luxury as we set off to Dubai on the 1st of November in time for the qualifying; as well as the actual Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi over the next few days. The VIP treatment included access to the VIP Red Bull Racing Paddock Club Suite (located above the pits) as well as garage tours and pit lane walks. It is important to note here just how carefully these teams are logistically transported around the globe for each race considering the amount of work that goes into each Grand Prix. A staff of 70 attends each Grand Prix and with them the 2 F1 cars, 6 Engines and nearly 100 computers, which monitor and tweak the cars performance throughout each race weekend. The amount of teamwork involved is clearly evident when you view them in action in the garages. The garage tour gave some serious insight into the amount of energy spent prepping each car for the up coming race, as well as just how intricate Formula 1 really is. We managed to watch the team change various parts of the car, as well as learn a bit about what each person in the team contributes towards the ultimate goal of winning a race. The VIP treatment in the paddock club suite was amazing with fine dining cuisine and bottomless French champagne and quaffable wines. The highlight of the paddock club however was the chance to meet the two drivers to find out what goes into being a Formula 1 driver and just how it feels to be behind the wheel of an awesome F1 machine.
During qualifying I experienced the sound and sight of these machines as they came out onto the racetrack in full glory to achieve the best lap times needed for the grid line-up. The experience was further enhanced in an olfactory fashion by the unmistakable smell of racing fuel as it filled the air lap after lap. The sound of an F1 Car’s engine screaming down a race track is deafening as each cylinder moves up and down 1300 times a second at maximum speed of 18000 r/min! Luckily earplugs were provided by the paddock club suite so that we could continue to enjoy the experience. Sadly Sebastian Vettel did not make the end of qualifying, and an FIA rule stating enough fuel need to remain in each car for sampling meant that he would start the race either from the back of the grid or, as it turned out, from pit lane.
The atmosphere at the Grand Prix was electric as hoards of people arrived in style to watch this prestigious event take place. After arriving at the paddock club we made our way down to the pit lane where we were allowed behind the barricades to get a good look into the garages to see the team preparing for a Grand Prix. I managed to get a few great photographs of the drivers as well as the cars as the masses glared at us with envy for being able to get so close to all the action. After the Etihad fly-by and hearing the United Arab Emirates National Anthem, we watched as the cars were wheeled into place on the starting grid. As mentioned earlier, Sebastian Vetter was not part of this line-up but Mark Webber was in second place on the grid. The Crescendo of cars moving off the grid at the start of the race was exhilarating to say the least. It just doesn’t compare to what you see and hear on TV. The sheer adrenalin rush is akin to riding a roller-coaster.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix had some spectacular crashes, knocking some of the drivers out of the race. Nico Rosberg went right over the car and head of Narain Karthikeyan, eliminating both out of the race. The most spectacular event of the race though was Sebastian Vettel clawing his way from the back of the pack to eventually finish in 3rd place! The Red Bull Racing and Infiniti team can be proud of the car they prepped, as well as Sebastian Vettel for a race that ultimately ended in a team victory (even if not on the track).
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix experience was amazing. If you’re a Formula 1 fan or even just a motoring enthusiast, attending a Grand Prix should definitely be on your bucket list. No other sport brings together as much passion; teamwork and engineering know how to deliver truly inspiring performance.
Thank you to Infiniti South Africa, Car magazine, and Red Bull Racing for this once-in-a-lifetime experience.
