F1: Abu Dhabi Track Gets New Banked Corner As A Part Of 2021 Changes

Abu Dhabi has often been the finale to the F1 season in the last couple of years. The drivers love and so do the spectators whenever they are allowed, however, the one aspect of the race that ends up often in a dud, is the race itself. The track makes for tricky overtaking and usually doesn't offer an exciting spectacle for what is the world's fastest sport. As a part of an endeavor to improve the spectacle, the race organizers have proposed changes to the track layout which will be first used later this year when the race happens in the capital of the UAE. Some of the changes that have been proposed include the removal of the chicane before the hairpin section which will allow for more overtaking opportunities as the drivers will be able to use multiple racing lines. 

At the end of the second straight, the twisty section of the track is being changed and replaced with a high-speed section and a wide banked corner. Interestingly, even at the hotel section of the track, the track is being widened which makes it faster and more fluid for the drivers. 

Overtaking has been historically hard on the Abu Dhabi track despite long straights 

In the last couple of years, overtaking has been an issue since the cars became broader in 2018. Last year Daniel Ricciardo had proposed if some tweaks could be made to the track as everyone loved coming to Abu Dhabi. Back in 2010 also overtaking was tough at the circuit when Fernando Alonso couldn't overtake the slower Petrov and he lost the world title to Sebastian Vettel in the process. 

"We've listened to the spectators and fans, and we've listened to the teams and the drivers. We've built these modifications, taking into consideration the feedback that we have received. Ultimately, our objective is to create more overtaking opportunities, closer wheel to wheel racing, and a faster, free-flowing circuit," said Saif Al Noaimi, the acting CEO of the Abu Dhabi F1 promoters. Naoimi is of the belief that this new banked corner will be iconic. F1 CEO, Stefano Domenicali also welcomed the move. 

"It has been an incredible season so far, and we are looking forward to be there with the new layout to the track, which for sure will give the opportunity to the drivers to maximise the show," said the former Lamborghini CEO and Ferrari F1 team principal.