Already crowned world champion for the third time, Dutchman Max Verstappen concluded his fantastic Formula season by winning without a shot on Sunday in Abu Dhabi. Followed by the two McLarens of Briton Lando Norris and Australian Oscar Piastri.
Dutchman Max Verstappen, already crowned world champion for the third time, concluded the Formula 1 season by easily winning the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday, his 19th victory of the year in 22 races. Starting in pole position, the Red Bull driver finished ahead of Monegasque Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) and Briton George Russell (Mercedes).
The Mexican Sergio Perez (Red Bull), initially 2nd, received a 5-second penalty and demoted to 4th place. Followed by the two McLarens of Briton Lando Norris and Australian Oscar Piastri. With the world titles locked by Verstappen and Red Bull, the final round of the season still had a few final challenges, including the fight between Mercedes and Ferrari for the place of vice-world champion among the constructors.
A Mercedes/Ferrari duel
Before the arrival of the paddock in the capital of the United Arab Emirates, Mercedes (392 points) was only four points ahead of the Scuderia (388). The battle finally turned to the advantage of the German manufacturer, thanks to the 9th place of its second driver Lewis Hamilton, who brought four additional points to his team. The Briton is, however, currently under investigation for an infraction during a pit stop. A decision is expected this evening.
If Hamilton is penalized and loses his rank, the symbolic title of vice-champion could then go to Ferrari – whose second driver Carlos Sainz finishes far from the points – since only three units separate the two teams for the moment.