On Sun, Nov 26, 8:00 AM, under the morning sun at the Yas Marina Circuit, motorsport fans were in for a spectacle at the 2023 season finale in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The season was dominated fearlessly by Max Verstappen, he faced one final challenge, fending off two attacks from Charles Leclerc and sealing his 19th victory. The nail-biting fight for second place in the constructors championship between Mercedes and Ferrari changed minute by minute, so stay tuned. As the engines roared, a sense of anticipation filled the air as the red lights began to appear. Little do spectators know what they are in for.
In the blazing Abu Dhabi heat, the Grand Prix kicked off with a blistering start as the final red light went out and the formation lap began, with Verstappen leading the field away from the grid. The grid, adorned with celebrities and buzzing with anticipation, featured Verstappen and Leclerc on the front row. From the opening lap, the rivalry between Red Bull and Ferrari begins to see who can get the best start to the season finale.
The minute-by-minute was intense as strategic maneuvers and complex overtakes took place. Sacrifices from teammates were also seen, “Sainz will let you by”, Leclerc is informed.
Moments later, the Spaniard pulls to one side and waves his Ferrari team-mate through. The most surprising event from the race was Leclerc’s sportsmanship, Leclerc gave up his position to Sergio Perez from Red Bull to help him gain a lead that could potentially negate his time penalty, while also helping Ferrari surpass the Mercedes points in the constructor’s championship “Leclerc suggests he will drop back to help Perez make progress. That would mean he would then hold up Russell in the final sector and ensure a five-second margin.”
Verstappen’s quest for his 19th victory of the season unfolded with strategic pit stops and defense against Charles Leclerc’s attacks. Verstappen became the first driver to lead 1,000 laps in a season. The key event was Leclerc allowing Perez through, demonstrating a strategic game plan and a clear and concise goal. The race was filled with strategies, well thought overtakes, and challenges but in the end, Max Verstappen once again proved to the paddock his power in the sport.
As a surprise to no one, Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc were the main characters of the Abu Dhabi GP, while a surprising podium finish for George Russel impressed the crowd. Leclerc’s strategic moves and Verstappen’s calculated aggression added to the thrill and suspense of the race. At the end of the race, Verstappen says “Keeping it clean means a lot, and Leclerc played fair.” After a long battle between George Russell and Sergio Perez for third place, Russell accomplished his 2nd podium this season. Russell, on his podium finish: “This podium isn’t just about today; it’s a testament to the hard work and progress we’ve made throughout the season. Securing second in the constructors is a collective achievement for the team.”
As Verstappen finished off his dominating season with a victory, several additional things unfolded in this race that were taken out of the spotlight. The teams engaged in a strategic chess match, playing with pit stops and tires, trying to stay out of the pitlane for as long as possible while keeping up a good pace. The race also had wider implications for the Constructors Championship, and after a long battle, Mercedes managed to score second place, leaving Ferrari back in third once again. Steward decisions played a role in shaping the race, as investigations regarding several collisions or accidents added uncertainty. Finally, the driver performance was exceptional, Yuki Tsunoda became race leader for the first time in his F1 career and also became the 2 Japanese to ever lead a race, even if it was just for one lap. The Grand Prix was a multifaceted spectacle full of strategy and teamwork.
The 2023 season finishes off on a high, and after an unforgettable season, fans are left eager for next year. The strategic decision-making and the sportsmanship combined with the aggressiveness gave fans a real spectacle. As the checkered flag fell, the Constructors Championship battle reached a chaotic and unexpected result. Finally, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix waves goodbye to the 2023 season on a good note.
