Bits from the Pits: Sharapova, Rosberg and others take in Abu Dhabi GP qualifying

Reem Abulleil - Reporter/Sub-editor 00:32 26/11/2017

The stars were out in full force for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix qualifying on Saturday at Yas Marina Circuit and the paddock was buzzing all day.

Russian tennis star Maria Sharapova had her first Formula One experience, where she was making an appearance for Mercedes sponsors UBS.

She got to meet last year’s world champion, the now-retired Nico Rosberg, and reminded us why they each chose their respective sport.

Sharapova spent a couple of days in the UAE capital, where she visited the recently-opened Louvre Museum on Saadiyat Island.

A tanned and relaxed looking Rosberg did the rounds, saying hello to everyone from his former rivals to the journalists and TV crews. It’s hard to believe that just 12 months ago he was on the eve of the greatest day of his career — the day he became a world champion for the first time. He retired from the sport soon after.

Former Liverpool defender Sami Hyypia was also in attendance as a guest of Mercedes, while Lebanese superstar singer Ragheb Alama was at the Ferrari team hospitality area.

Cycling’s sprint king and Abu Dhabi regular Mark Cavendish was seen strolling through the paddock while Mumford & Sons, who performed at Du Arena on Saturday night, watched qualifying from the Mercedes garage.

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