ABU DHABI: Grammy-nominated singer-songwriter Benson Boone will take centre stage at Etihad Park to open the 2025 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix race weekend on 4th December.
The announcement adds further excitement to the much-anticipated four-day event, which merges top-tier motorsport with a star-studded musical line-up.
Boone’s inclusion follows the recent confirmation of pop icon Katy Perry as Sunday night’s headliner, positioning the 2025 After-Race Concert series as one of the year’s most dynamic entertainment line-ups. As part of the Yasalam presented by e& programme, Boone’s performance marks the beginning of four nights of concerts exclusively accessible to Grand Prix ticket holders.
Benson Boone
Boone, 21, has emerged as one of the most influential voices of his generation. With over 10 billion global streams and a string of international chart-topping hits, his appeal spans continents and genres. His breakout single Beautiful Things, released in January 2024, held the number one spot on the Billboard Global 200 Chart for seven consecutive weeks and reached number one in key markets including the United Kingdom, Australia, Canada, France, Germany, Norway, Ireland, and New Zealand.
In February 2025, Boone was nominated for ‘Best New Artist’ at the 67th Annual Grammy Awards, further solidifying his standing as a global music force. His debut studio album, Fireworks & Rollerblades, released in April 2024, showcases his vocal range and emotive storytelling, earning critical acclaim and commercial success.
David Powell, Chief Strategy & Business Development Officer at Ethara, said Boone’s addition to the concert series reflects a growing demand for artists who appeal to younger, diverse audiences. “Appealing to the next generation of fans was a key consideration in curating the 2025 line-up,” he noted. “We’re seeing a significant shift in audience demographics, with Formula 1 capturing the imagination of younger fans like never before.”
Concert access
Concert access is exclusive to those holding tickets to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, ensuring a curated experience for motorsport and music fans alike. Ticketholders can enhance their experience by upgrading to the Golden Circle, providing priority access and the closest proximity to the stage for all four concerts.
Two additional headline acts for the Friday and Saturday night After-Race Concerts are still to be announced, rounding out what is expected to be a record-setting entertainment line-up. Fans are encouraged to secure their Golden Circle upgrades early via www.abudhabigp.com, as demand for front-row access is expected to be high.
In 2024, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix welcomed a record 192,000 attendees across race weekend, reinforcing its position as the largest and most immersive event of its kind in the region.
Race weekend highlights
Held at Yas Marina Circuit, the FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX has remained a fixture on the Formula 1 calendar since its debut on 30 October 2009. Since 2014, it has served as the season finale, known globally for its distinctive day-to-night racing format and dramatic waterfront setting.
Beyond Formula 1, racegoers can also enjoy action from the FIA Formula 2 World Championship and the Formula 4 Middle East Championship, both of which conclude their seasons at Yas Marina Circuit. These support series feature some of the world’s most promising young drivers, offering fans a comprehensive motorsport experience.
As part of the Yasalam entertainment offering, attendees can explore official after-parties, lifestyle events, and cultural activations spread across Yas Island – home to some of Abu Dhabi’s premier leisure destinations.
Yas Island experience
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix tickets unlock more than racing and concerts. As part of the Yas All In season, every ticket holder receives complimentary race week access to Yas Island’s world-renowned attractions, including Ferrari World Abu Dhabi, SeaWorld Abu Dhabi, Warner Bros. World Abu Dhabi, Yas Waterworld, the Louvre Abu Dhabi, and Qasr Al Watan.
This blend of sport, music, and culture makes the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix one of the most immersive and all-encompassing entertainment experiences in the world. For many fans, it is not just the end of the Formula 1 season – it is a grand celebration of the UAE’s growing role in the global cultural and sporting landscape.
The 2025 edition of the race will be the 17th running of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and will take place from Thursday, 4 December to Sunday, 7 December.
With two more major acts yet to be revealed and the countdown to race week already underway, anticipation is building for what promises to be another unforgettable edition of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.