Music and sports stars hit the Yas Marina Circuit for race day

Pop stars and sporting figures were out in full force at Yas Marina Circuit to see the final race of the F1 season.

Personalities began arriving at the exclusive Paddock Club area, with its range of hospitality suites situated trackside of the circuit, to mingle with officials and F1 drivers.

Mumford and Sons arrived at the circuit at 4pm, fresh from their successful Middle Eastern debut performance at the du Arena on Saturday.

On arrival the group were notified they were guests of the Red Bull racing team with star driver Daniel Ricciardo on hand to offer presents.

"That was a great show," keyboardist Ben Lovett told The National on the way to the team's garage.

“We didn’t know what to expect but it was fun to see the crowd really enjoying the show. The weather and the venue was great and we hope we can come back here more often."

Also enjoying herself was British pop-star Ella Eyre, who brought her mother along to Abu Dhabi for their first ever F1 experience.  The 23-year-old spoke before her late night show at the exclusive F1 after party Amber Lounge at Yas Links Golf Club.

“We are having a fantastic time and really enjoying the vibe,” she said.

“This is my first time in Abu Dhabi so I have been enjoying seeing the sights and I am looking forward to performing later tonight at the Amber Lounge."

Sadly, the anticipated appearance of US popstar and renowned car enthusiast Pink didn’t materialise.

The singer elected to focus on her race day concert at the du Arena. Instead, her husband, the US former professional freestyle motocross driver Carey Hart and their six-year-old daughter Willow made a low key entry just as the Etihad A380 and aerobatic crew Al Fursan made a roaring fly-over above the circuit, minutes before the race began.

Any lingering hopes the UK singer Ed Sheeran would arrive to Abu Dhabi to support fellow compatriot Lewis Hamilton was dashed with the news the singer left the UAE on Saturday.

Also spotted was Gordon Ramsay. The UK celebrity chef cut a cool and casual figure donning shades, a polo shirt and jeans as he conversed with guests at the Red Bull hospitality suite.

Emirati footballer Omer Abdul Rahman was also seen strolling in around The Paddock Club with fellow national team player Mohamed Fawzi. The duo eventually met up with Al Ain manager Zoran Mamic in the stands.

Other English sporting figures making an appearance at the race were cyclist Mark Cavendish and former England manager Sam Allardyce.

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