Formula 1 is ramping up for an impeccable showdown at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix later this season. And while most of the races, apart from 2016, in the UAE have often been predictable, 2021 is certainly showing signs of producing an exceptional event around this vibrant Yas Marina Circuit.

Reason? The changes that have been made to the track’s layout. The circuit has undergone massive tweaks in a desperate effort to promote racing.

One of them being the elimination of the chicane and instead widening the hairpin around turn 7.

First image of the Yas Marina Circuit

Yes, this modification will offer abundant opportunities for overtaking, considering the cars will be able to follow the ones ahead with ease, and a decent exit out of turn 7 would mean that making the move will be quite straightforward on the long straight, especially with the help of DRS.

Here’s an image of the circuit. Looks stunning, but raises a few concerns, at least for the drivers.

Now comes the tricky part. The barriers covering the exit of turn 7 seem quite narrow. Hence, one mishap around the corner and the drivers will likely end up in the wall. This is highly plausible, considering the tarmac is still fresh and there will be a massive lack of grip.

So, running wide around the exit of turn 7 is inevitable. But the only question is, can the highly talented Formula 1 drivers keep their cars safe from it?

Banked corner to cause more problems?

Turn 7 is not the only place where changes have occurred. There is another makeover to the section of corners – turn 11, 12, 13, and 14. All 4 corners are gone and have been replaced by one banked corner. This will only be the second track on this year’s calendar to own a banked corner.

The other being Zandvoort. Same concern again; this turn is likely to cause a stir. Drivers will find different lines to make their moves. And the fact that this is taking place on the bottom of the calendar, the desperation to score points will push the drivers into making rash decisions.

Hence, crashes? Pretty much imminent.

So, for the first time in 5 years, is Yas Marina Circuit ready to deliver one of the greatest races of this season? We’ll know in time.

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