Verstappen wins F1 season finale Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen ended the most dominant season in Formula 1 history with victory in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, his 19th win in 22 races on Sunday.

In a dramatic finish to decide second behind Verstappen’s Red Bull in the Constructors’ Championship, Charles Leclerc took second for Ferrari but it was not enough to overturn a four-point deficit to Mercedes, for whom George Russell took third and team-mate Lewis Hamilton ninth.

The Dutchman has taken his overall victory tally to 54, moving him beyond Sebastian Vettel and leaving just Hamilton and Michael Schumacher ahead.

Verstappen said: “An incredible season. I was a little emotional on the in-lap – it is the last time I am sitting in the car which has given me a lot.

“I am proud to win the last race. It was an incredible year. It will be hard to do something similar again.

“We are working hard again to have a very competitive car. The other teams will be trying to beat us but we are ready for the challenge.”

Verstappen’s team-mate Sergio Perez finished second on the track, but was demoted to fourth by a five-second penalty for causing a late-race collision with Lando Norris, who came fifth ahead of McLaren team-mate Oscar Piastri.

Abu Dhabi GP result: Top 10
1) Max Verstappen, Red Bull
2) Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
3) George Russell, Mercedes
4) Sergio Perez, Red Bull
5) Lando Norris, McLaren
6) Oscar Piastri, McLaren
7) Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin
8) Yuki Tsunoda, AlphaTauri
9) Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
10) Lance Stroll, Aston Martin

Story By: Princeton Wiredu