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Renowned Photographer Darren Heath Shares 20 Favourite Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Moments

To celebrate the 10th edition of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the globally celebrated photographer showcases his treasured snaps of all the on-track action since 2009.

Image courtesy of Karim Sahib/AFP/Getty Images

With the fever-pitch excitement, the energy, the rev of the engines and the thrilling speed, there’s nothing quite like being part of a Formula 1® race. And let’s not forget the anticipation as the top drivers in the world, who pilot some of the world’s most technologically advanced machines, zoom to the finish line.

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is surely one of the most pulse-racing events on the F1 calendar. The unique visual spectacle is the only race in the season that starts with natural daylight and ends at night. The Yas Marina Circuit is also famous for its blue-painted run-off areas and the swanky marina and hotel sections. All this means there have been some fabulous photo ops for world famous F1 photographer Darren Heath.

For the 10th edition, Heath, who has been covering the race in the emirate since its inauguration in 2009, offers a look at his impressive and striking work. The British multi-award winning photographer, who has worked for clients like Pirelli, “The Telegraph,” McLaren, Ferrari and “The Sunday Times,” is known for his creative and artistic coverage.

Click through the slideshow to see the most electrifying moments Heath, receiver of The Royal Photographic Society’s prestigious Honorary Fellowship, has snapped throughout the decade.

All images are by Darren Heath.

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An emotional Nico Rosberg joyfully punches his clenched fists in the air after his 2015 Abu Dhabi race victory. The fantastic Yas Marina Circuit firework display makes for a stunning backdrop.
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Fernando Alonso thunders underneath the Yas Hotel Abu Dhabi during the 2010 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. As it's located in the twisting and turning street track-like section of the Circuit, the hotel always provides a visual treat for the photographers.
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Lewis Hamilton races his Mercedes in a blur of colourful highlights thanks to the very slow shutter speed used by Heath during the 2017 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
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Nico Rosberg is caught on camera while rounding a turn during practice for the 2016 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The highlights glinting off the Silver Arrow’s bodywork and the orange glow from the setting sun make it a winning shot.
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Daylight conditions can also make for interesting pictures, like this one of Jenson Button passing underneath the Yas Hotel Abu Dhabi in his world title-winning Brawn car during the 2009 race weekend.
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A dejected, disconsolate Alonso walks into the FIA garage after he misses the chance to become the Formula 1® drivers’ World Champion for Scuderia at the 2010 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Sebastian Vettel arrives to claim the prize.
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Approaching cars appear as classic Formula 1® car shapes while the Yas Marina Circuit’s impressive Grandstands are framed by a stunning sunset featuring orange, red and purple.
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During the 2016 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the blue, red and yellow twinkling lights of the Yas Hotel Abu Dhabi complement the very similar colours adorning Daniel Ricciardo’s Red Bull car.
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A stunning air display featuring Etihad’s Airbus 380, escorted by the Fursan Al Emarat aerobatic display team, salutes the Grand Prix grid below. And a stunning purple-hued sky provides a visually arresting scene for the 2017 show.
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In 2015, Lewis Hamilton helped the UAE celebrate its 44th National Day by sporting a helmet with the number 44, which just happens to be his official number.
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Sebastian Vettel and his Red Bull team are snapped celebrating the German driver’s title victory just as the pit lane lights were switched off, resulting in some very dramatic lighting.
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Classic silhouettes of Bedouin tents stand in front of a perfect bright yellow setting sun, providing a stunning backdrop to Lewis Hamilton’s Mercedes as he races during the 2013 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
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The colourful lines, shapes and designs of the Yas Marina Circuit track’s kerning and run-off areas are highlighted in this picture of Kimi Raikkonen slicing his way through during the 2014 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend.
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Fernando Alonso’s orange, black and white McLaren looks stunning bathed in the light of an Abu Dhabi sunset while he qualifies for the 2017 event at Yas Marina Circuit.
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The setting sun and a perfect starburst highlight off the Ferrari are captured as Kimi Raikkonen races hard while he heads underneath the Yas Hotel Abu Dhabi during the 2014 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
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Sebastian Vettel stands atop his Red Bull car and salutes the crowd after winning the inaugural Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
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The gorgeous shadows created by the lattice work shroud of the Yas Hotel Abu Dhabi provide a wonderful palette on which to photograph the passing Formula 1® cars during practice for the 2017 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
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A very slow shutter speed pan shot of Daniel Riccardo’s Red Bull car racing past the complementary colours of the foreground lights as he qualifies for the 2017 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
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After securing access to a balcony, Heath shoots Formula 1® cars racing around the visually impressive Yas Marina Circuit during a practice session.
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A perfect shot of Nico Rosberg prior to being hoisted high by his mechanics.

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