The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix weekend suddenly grabbed all our attention when pop superstar Katy Perry stepped into the paddock and managed to get herself into a viral moment that fans cannot stop talking about.
Check out what made her go viral ahead of her concert.
The Grand Prix Weekend Brings Us A Viral Moment
Entertainment around the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix always ramps up early, especially once the Yasalam After-Race Concert line-up begins to unfold. Katy Perry was announced weeks ago as the Sunday, December 7 headliner at Etihad Park, making her the first confirmed act for the 2025 season finale. The show forms part of her new world tour, which officially launches later this month in Mexico, and excitement has steadily grown among fans hoping to see her perform.
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Organisers emphasised that the festival’s 17th year remains a major undertaking. Ethara’s chief strategy and business development officer, David Powell, explained that the team takes great care crafting the entertainment around the Grand Prix. He said they felt thrilled to secure Perry as their opening reveal for the concert series and believed her vibrant performances would mirror the dramatic atmosphere of the F1 championship’s final showdown.
Katy Perry Tests Her F1 Knowledge During a McLaren Visit
Perry unexpectedly appeared at the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Saturday evening. And that’s when she attempted to name F1 drivers during a quiz, and set social media on fire. The brief quiz, filmed ahead of her concert, quickly made its way across platforms and triggered mixed reactions. In the video, Perry seemed to point to the F1 driver poster and confirm their names. And that action got the most unfortunate reaction.
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Some fans questioned why she was in the paddock at all, saying she seemed unfamiliar with the sport. Others felt the moment appeared made-up to provoke reactions. More than a few expressed frustration that celebrities often receive exclusive access despite not following Formula 1 closely.
One viewer complained that it felt unfair to see someone who didn’t know the drivers take. It’s a spot that many lifelong fans would “give everything” to experience. Another argued that artists visiting the GP should at least learn basic names out of respect for the event. Some comments noted that Perry was in Abu Dhabi primarily to perform. However, they wished she had taken time to understand the grid.
Despite the discussion around her paddock appearance, Perry remains the main attraction for Sunday’s post-race entertainment at Etihad Park. Her concert will close out the Grand Prix weekend and will be one of the most anticipated performances of the year. Fans expect a vibrant setlist, signature visuals, and the high-energy style she brings to major stages worldwide.
