ADNOC, the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company, has renewed its partnership for the Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, reinforcing its status as a core backer of one of the sport’s most influential race weekends.
The extension strengthens the company’s long-term role in the season finale at Yas Marina Circuit, a fixture that sits at the centre of the UAE’s global events strategy.
The agreement ensures ADNOC retains high-impact visibility across Yas Marina Circuit, supported by expanded fan activations and year-round community initiatives. The renewal aligns with the UAE’s broader ambition to use global sports platforms to highlight its energy transition and innovation agenda. As part of the extension, ADNOC will deepen its integration of sustainability messaging across the race weekend, including youth engagement and education programmes.
ADNOC, an official founding partner of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix since 2019, will introduce new fan experiences and youth development elements under its The Race Within campaign. The programme has become a critical part of the event’s community footprint, especially through its contribution to Yas in Schools, which has already reached nearly 100,000 students across the UAE.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has anchored Formula 1’s season finale since 2009 and is supported by a coalition of national heavyweights including Etihad Airways, Mubadala, ADNOC and the Abu Dhabi Sports Council. Continuous upgrades to Yas Marina Circuit have helped the UAE sustain its position as a leading motorsport destination in the Middle East.
Omar Al Suwaidi, Director, The Executive Office, ADNOC, said, “We are delighted to extend our partnership with the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, an iconic event that exemplifies the energy and ambition of the UAE. Through this partnership, ADNOC will create new experiences for fans that bring people together, inspire future generations and empower communities.”
Gavin Dickinson, Chief Commercial Officer at Ethara, added, “Since 2019, ADNOC has powered not just our race, but our future – reaching nearly 100,000 UAE students through Yas in Schools. This renewed partnership allows us to deliver elevated fan experiences while building the next generation of UAE talent and cementing Abu Dhabi’s position as a global sports destination.”
The extension arrives at a time when motorsport investment across the Middle East continues to accelerate. Saudi Arabia and Qatar have grown their Grand Prix portfolios, while energy majors such as Aramco and QatarEnergy have expanded their global presence in Formula 1. Retaining ADNOC gives Abu Dhabi renewed commercial stability and reinforces the strategic role of national champions in supporting tourism, soft power and economic diversification.
On track, this year’s championship has built toward a dramatic conclusion. McLaren’s Lando Norris leads the standings with 408 points, followed closely by Red Bull’s Max Verstappen on 396 and McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri on 392. Yas Marina Circuit is now set for a final showdown that could deliver either Verstappen’s fifth consecutive title or a new champion in Norris or Piastri.
The Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will take place from December 5 to 7, closing the season with one of the most anticipated finales in recent years.
ADNOC’s renewed backing ensures the UAE retains continuity, visibility and commercial strength behind one of Formula 1’s defining global events.
