This paved the way for McLaren's Lewis Hamilton, who dominated during the practice rounds, to race to victory and claim his third Grand Prix win of the season. Hamilton held onto first place despite being challenged throughout the race by Ferrari's Fernando Alonso and McLaren team mate Jenson Button.
Alonso should be congratulated for maintaining pressure on Hamilton and redeem himself for a terrible Abu Dhabi race in 2010.
Button claimed the third spot on the podium while Red Bull's Mark Webber and Ferrari's Felipe Massa placed fourth and fifth respectively.
A great race for Hamilton who managed to avoid a seventh collision with Massa and race to victory in the penultimate race of the 2011 season.
Toro Rosso's Sebastian Buemi, HRT's Daniel Ricciardo and Virgin's Jerome d'Ambrosio retired from the race.
Formula 1 heads to Brazil for the final race of the 2011 season on November 27th.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix results:
Retired Daniel Ricciardo HRT
Retired Sebastien Buemi Toro Rosso
Retired Jerome d'Ambrosio Virgin
Retired Sebastian Vettel Red Bull