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Räikkönen secures 2012 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix victory as Vettel recovers

Yahoo Sports • 1 min read • Latest: Nov 4, 2026, 1:27 PM

Last updated Nov 4, 2026

Räikkönen secures 2012 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix victory as Vettel recovers

Summary

On November 4, 2012, Kimi Räikkönen won the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit, marking his first Formula 1 victory since 2009. Lewis Hamilton led early but retired due to a fuel-pressure issue, allowing Räikkönen to take over the lead. Sebastian Vettel, starting from the pit lane after a qualifying exclusion, finished third, showcasing his racecraft despite early damage. The outcome kept the championship battle close as Vettel retained a narrow points lead over Fernando Alonso with two races remaining.

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By the Numbers

•Räikkönen won after leading late in the race
•Hamilton retired from the lead due to mechanical issues
•Vettel finished third after starting from the pit lane
•Alonso finished second, keeping championship hopes alive
•Vettel led the championship by ten points after the race

Latest Updates

1:27 PMYahoo Sports — Today in Motorsport History, November 4: Räikkönen Won the 2012 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as Vettel Charged From the Pit Lane

What they're saying

"
Kimi Räikkönen in the Lotus E20 at the 2012 Canadian Grand Prix. Illustrative image, not from Abu Dhabi. Photo: Nic Redhead / Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 2.0) Kimi Räikkönen won the 2012 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix for Lotus after Lewis Hamilton retired from the lead, while Sebastian Vettel charged from the pit lane to third. The post Today in Motorsport History, November 4: Räikkönen Won the 2012 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as Vettel Charged From the Pit Lane appeared first on Backfire Racing.
— Yahoo Sports

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