It’s the quiet before the storm on race day in Abu Dhabi, and we’ve been hanging around the paddock as the F1 teams arrive at the Yas Marina paddock. We’ve captured F1 supremo Bernie Ecclestone making faces with Ferrari boss Stefano Dominicali…

…and Lotus reserve drive Karun Chandhok, optimistically carrying his race suit.

Here’s a man from McLaren meeting his fans. Cooling fans for the car’s intakes, that is.

The legendary Sir Frank Williams arrives in the paddock.

We’ve noticed that the quality of trousers you wear seems to be inversely proportional to the amount of money you have. So the very wealthy tend to sport horrific numbers like this.

Three-time World Champion Niki Lauda takes it easy outside the Red Bull villa.

crankandpiston’s Phil M, hard at work and keeping it reflective.

Suits of various kinds.

A sneaky ciggy.

Ferrari – probably the most stylish team in the paddock.

Bernie works the crowd.

Downtime at Ferrari.

Man from Ferrari, he say “you no shoot secret new parts”. We run away.

Sir Frank goes to work.

Virgin delivery.

Force India’s Paul di Resta stops for a chat.

Corinna and Michael Schumacher.

Lens envy.

Former McLaren driver, Le Mans winner and now-BBC commentator, Martin Brundle.