2022 GP Abu Dhabi

Verstappen triumphant in Abu Dhabi final as Leclerc solidifies P2 in the drivers standings!

For the 9th time in a row, the conclusion of the Formula One season is hosted at Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi. However, this year comes with several modifications in an effort to create more opportunity for overtaking. Those changes include eliminating several slower corners and the removal of 250 metres of track, further increasing the likelihood of dramatic finishes fit for a final race.

With Max Verstappen claiming his second world title earlier in Suzuka, the battle for second remained up for grabs. Heading into the weekend, both Perez and Leclerc found themselves tied in points with the shared hope of being the driver that settles the score.

For Perez, a possibility to accomplish a personal best while further cementing Red Bull’s dominance in an incredibly successful year. For Leclerc, an opportunity to end the year on a high after a season that saw many challenges and several lows.

As the lights went out for the final time this year, Verstappen remained in complete control, starting as pole sitter and maintaining his advantage throughout the duration of the race. He relinquished his position only briefly while he pitted to swap from mediums to hards, but the two-time world champion quickly regained P1, crossing the checkered flag with an 8-second lead and his 15th victory of the year.

With the battle for 2nd underway and the sun beginning to set, tire management would play a critical role as both teams opted for separate strategies. For Leclerc, the teams one-stop strategy on hards proved to be superior. The Ferrari driver effectively managed to minimize degradation while fending off a charging Perez in the final laps. It was enough to earn Leclerc a P2 result both on the podium and in the driver standings.

Beginning with a strong start from P2, Perez held onto his position prior to his first pit stop. However, as he came out of the pits, he found himself caught in the traffic that cost critical time. With a two-stop strategy in mind, Perez swapped to hards on Lap 34 in an effort to shorten the gap with final push for P2. Although a valiant attempt, it was not enough as Perez finished P3.

With Sainz starting from P4, it was a Ferrari 2nd row lockout, leaving both Mercedes drivers behind and eager to advance. From the very beginning, Sainz found himself in defence battling Hamilton into Turn 6. With Sainz taking the inside, Hamilton went wide through the exit, bouncing over the sausage curb and gaining a place advantage later given back to Sainz. After pitting on Lap 40, the Ferrari driver made his way back up the grid, eventually overtaking a struggling Hamilton to earn P4 and finish 5th in the driver’s standings.

After being advised earlier that he was “free to race” by his team, Russell overtook Hamilton for P5. However, a slow pit stop and an early pit release into the path of Norris cost the Mercedes driver a 5-second penalty which was served during his second pit stop. Finishing in P5, Russell concluded his first season with Mercedes on a consistent high note, finishing 19 out of the 22 races in the top 5.

Earning fastest lap of the race, Lando Norris finished with P6, cementing Mclaren’s P5 in the constructor’s championship.

Displaying a tight battle for P8 between Vettel, Alpine’s Ocon continued to combat the German driver for over five laps providing a thrilling period of racing. Ocon ended up finishing in P7.

Ending with P8, Stroll was able to see a positive result from the teams two-stop strategy.

In his final race with Mclaren and quite possibly his Formula One career, Ricciardo was able to capitalize within the points, ending his season in a final lap battle against Vettel, with a P9 result.

It was a weekend filled with emotional farewells for Sebastian Vettel, a driver beloved amongst fans and well respected both on and off the grid. Standing on the podium over 122 times with 53 wins, the four-time world champion closed this chapter, forever etched in the Formula One history books. During the race, Vettel attempted multiple overtakes, most notably after his second pit stop where he fought his way back up the grid from P19 to P10 in less than 18 laps. He crossed the checkered flag taking the final point and Driver of the Day much to the delight of the fans.

In an interview with Jenson Button, Vettel explained “I think the last two years have been maybe disappointing from a sporting point of view, but very, very useful and important to me in my life,"

"A lot of things happened, a lot of things that I realised. I think it's a huge privilege being in the position that we are in and with that comes some responsibility, so I hope to pass on a little bit to the other drivers to carry on some of the good work.

"It's great to see that we have the power to inspire you with what we do and what we say. I think there are far bigger, and far more important things than racing in circles.

"But obviously, it's what we love and through that if we can transfer some of the really important values, that's big. And I think for that the last two years have been great for me.

"So, thank you for the support. Thank you for the messages, the letters and all the love in general.

"I will miss that, but it's been an absolute joy throughout my career, so thank you."

In a close attempt to crack the top ten, Tsunoda’s second pit stop to softs proved to be costly, losing pace, yet finishing with P11.

Following closely behind with P12 was rookie of the year, Zhou Guanyu.

Starting the race in P19, Williams driver, Albon, had a fantastic start, climbing his way to P15 early, remaining consistent and coasting to a solid P13 result.

As the only driver to begin the race on softs, Gasly quickly realized the decision came with a considerable loss in tire degradation. Although pitting to hards by Lap 15, he was unable to increase his pace beyond P14 in his final race with AlphaTauri.

As one of the only drivers to begin on medium tires, Bottas finished with P15 and 10th in the driver standings.

In his final race with Haas, Schumacher triggered a synchronized spin with Latifi after colliding into the Williams driver on Lap 40. As a result, Schumacher received a five-second penalty and finished P16.

Following his Haas teammate, Magnussen finished P17. With a one-stop strategy in place that began on mediums, it appeared the Danish driver was never able to increase his pace.

There were three DNF’s at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

After expressing his concern over the team radio of a loss of power, Hamilton was forced to retire with three laps remaining due to a hydraulic issue. Taking 6th in the driver’s standings for the season.

In his final race and an undetermined future, Latifi retired shortly after his collision with Schumacher.

After a brilliant overtake on both Bottas and Tsunoda, Alonso was forced to retire for the final time as an Alpine driver due to a water leak.

With the smoke quickly dissipating from the celebratory donuts, we look towards the start of the 2023 season! Pre-season testing begins February 23-25, with the first race commencing March 5th in Bahrain.

By Samantha Horvath