Since 2009, the Abu Dhabi GP has been a regular feature on the F1 calendar. The Yas Marina Circuit hosted each edition of the day-night race, as the track often witnesses incredible scenes to close out the season.

Earlier this year, organizers of the season-ending race announced the track will undergo a few changes to the layout. And earlier today, they gave an update on their progress towards completing those changes in time for this year’s race.

Abu Dhabi GP organizers reveal construction of new corners more than halfway done

Prior to this year, the layout comprised 21 corners, with 11 to the left and 10 to the right. Although it has two large DRS zones, overtaking in corners remains a difficult task on this layout. In a bid to increase overtaking opportunities, the race’s organizers will change three sections of this track.

The first of these three sections sees the alteration of the chicane and hairpin complex of Turn 5, 6, and 7. Here, the chicane goes away, with the left-handed hairpin increasing in width. The next change sees the complicated four-turn complex at 11, 12, 13, and 14. A left-handed banked turn will replace these sharp corners, providing less complexity for drivers to maneuver.

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Finally, the double left-handers of Turn 18 and 19 will see a bigger radius, to provide higher cornering speeds. With the new layout set to host this year’s race, the race’s organizers face a race against time to prepare it in time.

However, it seems they have no problems at the moment. With three months left for the race, they put an update on social media revealing the construction of these changes is more than 50% complete.

While displaying a time-lapse of their construction work, they wrote, “Over 50% of the construction works have been completed. And the New Moves of the 2021 #AbuDhabiGP are starting to come to life.”

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Abu Dhabi likely to settle the drivers’ championship this year

The ongoing F1 season is witnessing one of the closest title fights in recent memory. With eight races remaining, Max Verstappen currently leads Lewis Hamilton by five points.

With Red Bull producing a more complete package this year, Abu Dhabi looks most likely to witness a showdown for the title. While Verstappen ended Mercedes‘ winning streak on this track last year, the Dutchman may need to repeat that feat this year to make history.

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