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AI-assisted content notice: This article was written with AI assistance and reviewed by the Tovi team. UAE rules and fees change — always verify with official sources before acting. Last reviewed: July 2026.
✈️ TourismAdventure✓ Verified Jul 2026

Yas Marina Circuit Tour: Drive a Formula 1 Track

Drive laps on Yas Marina Circuit with a real F1 car, ride shotgun in a supercar, or try karting, drag racing, and simulator sessions in 2026.

·5 min read·By the Tovi UAE Team
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Photo by Noah Bikoro on Unsplash

Book a Yas Marina Circuit tour in 2026

Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island remains the only Formula 1 track in the Middle East that lets visitors drive the full Grand Prix layout. Public sessions run year-round, including during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend in December. Prices start from AED 450 for a 10-minute kart session and reach AED 4,900 for three laps as a passenger in a two-seater F1 car.

Choose your driving experience

The circuit offers six paid activities for tourists. The F1 passenger ride uses a current-spec car with a professional driver. Drag racing puts you behind the wheel of a Nissan GT-R for a quarter-mile run. Karting sessions use Sodi RT8 karts on a 1.2 km layout. The simulator room recreates Yas in VR headsets, and the Yas Tour bus takes visitors around the pit lane and media centre without driving. All bookings are handled directly through the circuit website or the Yas Island app.

What you need before you arrive

Participants must be 18 or older for F1 passenger rides and drag racing; karting accepts ages 12 and up with a valid licence or guardian consent. Bring your passport and a valid international driving permit if you plan to drive any vehicle yourself. Closed shoes are required. The circuit supplies helmets and race suits; you do not need to bring your own gear.

Best times to visit in 2026

Temperatures drop below 30 °C from November to March, making these months the most comfortable. Morning slots between 9 am and 11 am have fewer crowds and better light for photos. Evening sessions run until 10 pm on Thursdays and Fridays during the winter season. Book at least two weeks ahead for December dates because of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Getting there and parking

Take the Yas Island express bus from Abu Dhabi Bus Station or use the free Yas Shuttle from selected hotels. If driving, use the North or West car parks; both are free for activity ticket holders. The circuit is 25 minutes from Abu Dhabi International Airport and 90 minutes from Dubai in normal traffic. RTA taxis and Careem drop off at Gate 1.

Practical tips from repeat visitors

  • Arrive 45 minutes early for safety briefing and suit fitting.
  • Buy the photo package at check-in for AED 150 if you want onboard footage.
  • Combine the tour with Ferrari World next door for a full Yas day.
  • Check the Yas Island app on the morning of your session for any schedule changes due to private testing.

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Frequently asked questions

How much does an F1 passenger lap cost?▾

Three laps as a passenger in a two-seater F1 car cost AED 4,900 in 2026.

What is the minimum age for karting?▾

Karting is open from age 12 with guardian consent or a valid licence.

Do I need an international driving permit?▾

Yes, bring your passport and an international driving permit for any self-drive activity.

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