Max Verstappen gained a record-extending fifteenth race of the 12 months on the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday to conclude one of the crucial dominant seasons in Formula One historical past.
A 12 months on from Verstappen’s tense and controversial win over Lewis Hamilton to seal his first title, there was little drama on the Yas Marina Circuit.
Verstappen stayed forward of his teammate Sergio Perez at first and was by no means significantly challenged after that on his approach to victory. “Incredible to win again here, 15th win of the season is unbelievable,” he stated. “It’s been really enjoyable to work with the whole team and to be able to achieve something like this year.”
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc held off Perez’s problem on previous tires to complete second and clinch second place within the championship standings, thwarting Red Bull’s bid to have its drivers place first and second.
Leclerc completed three factors forward of Perez within the standings. That meant Verstappen’s refusal to yield sixth place to his teammate on the final race in Brazil was not decisive on the finish of the season.
“I knew the only possibility to beat Checo (Perez) today was with a different strategy and playing with the tire management, which we did really well today,” Leclerc stated. “I really hope next year we can do a step forward to fight for the championship.”
Leclerc and Ferrari appeared in a position to problem Verstappen for the title at first of the season, however Red Bull improved its automotive efficiency benefit by way of the season. Errors on monitor from Leclerc and in Ferrari’s race technique held them again too.
Four-time champion Sebastian Vettel positioned tenth for Aston Martin as he retires from F1 after 16 years. A hydraulic downside ended Lewis Hamilton’s race for Mercedes because the seven-time champion completed an F1 season and not using a win for the primary time in his profession.
