George Lucas
It’s unlikely the Star Wars mogul could squeeze his bulk into an F1 cockpit these days but, in his youth, he dreamed of winning the Grand Prix. He is a racing junkie, regularly spotted among the crowds at Monaco and Bahrain. The Red Bull pit squad paid tribute in 2005 by suiting up as Storm Troopers – a feat they’re unlikely to repeat in the Abu Dhabi heat.
Eric Clapton
Last spotted at the Gulf Air Bahrain Grand Prix in April, the legendary blues guitarist is a confirmed Ferrari nut, owning an impressive collection that includes an Enzo and a 360 Spider. With strong links between Ferrari and Yas Marina Island (the Ferrari Theme Park is due to open next year), the chances of old ‘Slowhand’ making an appearance seem reasonably high.
Frankie Dettori
The diminutive Italian jockey will be in Abu Dhabi this autumn anyway, promoting his latest restaurant venture with celebrity chef Marco Pierre White at the Fairmont Bab Al Bahr. What better photo opportunity, then, than a stroll around the paddock at Yas Marina Circuit? As a known fan of motor sports, it would actually be more peculiar if he didn’t make an appearance.
Robert Plant
Photographed with Eric Clapton on the grid at Bahrain earlier this year, Robert Plant is not a known racing enthusiast. However, it is thought that the former Led Zepplin frontman developed something of a crush on the capital during his performance at Womad Abu Dhabi in April, so what better place to nurture his feelings for the sport than his new favourite stomping ground?
Cliff Richard
In his dotage, the UK’s answer to Elvis Presley spends his offstage time investing in hotels, maintaining a Portuguese orchard and attending the Grand Prix. He’s a known supporter of Polish driver Robert Kubica and a regular at Monaco, where he once offered a spontaneous performance to keep the rain-soaked crowd buoyant – unlikely to be a problem here.
