Shaking off the team orders row that unexpectedly sparked up in Brazil last weekend, Max Verstappen put in the kind of performance that exemplified his stunning 2022 with pole and victory in Abu Dhabi. Red Bull didn’t have things all their own way as Sergio Perez was beaten by Charles Leclerc to second place and with it the runner-up spot in the final standings.
While the track action returned to the form guide after the action-packed Brazilian round, it gave a focus shift towards the future with the final places on the 2023 grid decided and an opportunity to say a final farewell to a few faces, most notably four-time F1 world champion Sebastian Vettel.
While the latter point remains to be seen, nobody can question Verstappen’s dominance this season as he took pole position and victory at the Yas Marina Circuit – his third win in a row at the Abu Dhabi track. It further extended his most wins in a season record to 15, coming from 22 races; a win percentage only beaten in four other seasons in F1 history.But it was the nature of Verstappen’s triumph that was key.
But, to the credit and comfort of the Scuderia, Leclerc maximised his performance in Abu Dhabi behind runaway leader Max Verstappen to see off Sergio Perez for second and with it secure the runner-up spot in the final standings.
Aren't we allowed to know what number 8 was?
1. Breaking rules 2. Cheating 3. Lying 4.Being in bed with FIA 5. Corruption 6. Deny & Smile 7. Try to fool the fans 8. Make sure the Media is printing your Propaganda as much as possible 8. Remind the FIA that you're partners in crime to keep AD 2021 Covered 9. Lie 10. Lie again