Day three of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix saw two lucky fans take home exclusive Abu Dhabi number plates signed by Red Bull Racing’s stars
Fans at the 2025 Formula 1® Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix witnessed a moment that could only happen in the UAE. Two specially created Abu Dhabi licence plates — designed as symbolic collector pieces — were signed by Oracle Red Bull Racing drivers Max Verstappen and Yuki Tsunoda. Two lucky fans in the Fan Zone were selected at random to take them home.
For the season finale, organisers Ethara produced non-legal Abu Dhabi interpretations of those number plates. Verstappen’s #1 signals his World Champion status, a number only he can carry for as long as he holds the title. Tsunoda’s #22 came from doubling his preferred #11.
In the UAE, number plates carry a level of prestige unlike anywhere else in the world. They are status symbols and coveted collectables. Abu Dhabi’s original #1 plate famously sold for more than USD 14 million at a charity event in 2008. Against that backdrop, the drivers’ race numbers take on a deeper significance.
Each plate mirrors its owner: Verstappen’s reflects the singular privilege of a reigning champion, while Tsunoda’s channels the spontaneity that defines him. More than collectables, the signed plates tap directly into Abu Dhabi’s cultural symbolism, offering fans a tangible, locally resonant moment of connection with the sport’s biggest personalities.
Michael Golding, Marketing and Communications Executive Director, Ethara said: “In Abu Dhabi, we constantly push ourselves to create moments that are culturally relevant and unique to the place. Number plates carry a special kind of prestige here, and transforming drivers’ race numbers into symbolic Abu Dhabi plates is a fan moment that could only happen at this Grand Prix. It is another example of how we bring people closer to the heart of Formula 1®, both on and off the track.”
With racing underway and a packed entertainment schedule, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is a major regional event drawing fans from around the world.
Fans can download the Abu Dhabi GP app for all event details and timings, the on-track schedule and weekend updates.
