Sandstorm in Abu Dhabi

As the F1 world touches down in Abu Dhabi, the region is sweeping up the mess after a severe sandstorm.

The high winds had locals and early arrivals among F1’s global travellers shielding their eyes and running for cover on Monday afternoon.

Authoritative F1 source RMC Sport, of France, said the storm caused some minor damage around Abu Dhabi, but the Yas Marina circuit "seems not to have been affected" other than a blanket of dust and sand on the track surface.