Max Verstappen crossed the finish line first at the Yas Marina circuit, venue of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, winning the last race of the 2023 Formula 1 season. The win marked his 19th win of the season out of a solid 22 races.
The 2023 world champion faced some tough competition from Charles Leclerc earlier in the face, but he was able to recover as the race progressed and took home the victory. For Verstappen and Red Bull as a team, the 2023 season will always be a memorable one.
Sergio Perez, Verstappen’s teammate, initially clinched the second spot on the track due to an advantage from Charles LeClerc but was demoted to fourth-place after being given a five-second penalty.
Mercedes’ George Russell capitalised on this gaffe, securing third place, while Lewis Hamilton’s ninth-place finish contributed two crucial points, allowing Mercedes to maintain its second-place standing in the constructors’ championship, just three points ahead.
Leclerc’s strategic decision to allow Perez to pass did not yield the desired results, as the Mexican driver fell short of building a sufficient lead. Despite finishing in fourth place, Leclerc ascended to fifth place in the drivers’ championship, surpassing both Norris and his teammate Carlos Sainz.
In the middle of the pack, Norris secured the fifth position, with his teammate Oscar Piastri following closely in sixth. Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso claimed seventh place and Yuki Tsunoda of Alpha Tauri secured eighth.
Hamilton’s ninth-place finish provided valuable points for Mercedes, while Lance Stroll clinched the final point in the race with a tenth-place finish for Aston Martin.
Verstappen’s remarkable victory in Abu Dhabi encapsulated the unparalleled dominance he exhibited throughout the season, solidifying his status as a force to be reckoned with and one with a lot more to offer. The enthralling battles on the track, strategic manoeuvers, and last-minute penalties added twists to the race, making it a fitting conclusion to an unforgettable season.
Leon Osamor
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