The 2023 Formula 1 season reached its climax at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, showcasing a fierce competition that had been brewing throughout the year. As the dust settled on the track, Red Bull Racing solidified their historic one-two finish in the drivers' standings during the Las Vegas Grand Prix, a feat that set the stage for the concluding race in Abu Dhabi.
Mercedes, hoping to cement their status, engaged in a fierce battle with Ferrari for the runners-up position in the constructors' championship. "It was a tactical battle all day," remarked Lewis Hamilton after the race. The stakes were high, and the tension palpable as Mercedes and Ferrari vied for supremacy.
During the Abu Dhabi race, strategy played a crucial role. Charles Leclerc, attempting a clever maneuver, allowed Sergio Perez to overtake him, aiming to give Perez a buffer against Hamilton who was nursing a five-second penalty. Yet, Hamilton's resolve ensured he remained on the podium, securing a pivotal third place that ultimately clinched Mercedes the second position in the constructors' championship.
"Ultimately, we have to look back and be proud of what we achieved this year," Hamilton stated, emphasizing the significance of teamwork and the determination displayed by the Silver Arrows to finish strong.
As for the drivers’ championship, the three top spots were already sealed before the Abu Dhabi race, with Max Verstappen leading the pack followed by his teammate Sergio Perez and Hamilton. The excitement shifted to the battle for fourth place, where a quartet of drivers including Carlos Sainz, Fernando Alonso, Charles Leclerc, and Lando Norris fought valiantly for the coveted position.
It was ultimately Alonso who claimed the fourth spot after finishing seventh in the race. "Every point counts, and I’m just glad I managed to keep my position against stiff competition," Alonso remarked, reflecting on his successful strategy. Meanwhile, both Sainz and Leclerc faced disappointment, as Sainz ended the race without points, impacting his standing.
The final drivers’ standings showcased the remarkable performances of the season:
1. Max Verstappen | Red Bull | 575 points 2. Sergio Perez | Red Bull | 285 points 3. Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes | 234 points 4. Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin | 206 points 5. Lando Norris | McLaren | 205 points 6. Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | 200 points 7. George Russell | Mercedes | 175 points 8. Oscar Piastri | McLaren | 97 points 9. Lance Stroll | Aston Martin | 74 points 10. Pierre Gasly | Aston Martin | 62 points 11. Esteban Ocon | Alpine | 58 points 12. Alex Albon | Williams | 27 points 13. Yuki Tsunoda | AlphaTauri | 17 points 14. Valtteri Bottas | Alfa Romeo | 10 points 15. Nico Hulkenberg | Haas | 9 points 16. Daniel Ricciardo | AlphaTauri | 6 points 17. Zhou Guanyu | Alfa Romeo | 6 points 18. Kevin Magnussen | Haas | 3 points 19. Liam Lawson | AlphaTauri | 2 points 20. Logan Sargeant | Williams | 1 point 21. Nyck De Vries | AlphaTauri | 0 points
In terms of constructors, Red Bull claimed an astonishing 860 points overall, far ahead of their closest rivals. Mercedes managed to fend off Ferrari, finishing with 409 points against Ferrari's 406.
The final constructors’ standings confirmed the following:
1. Red Bull | 860 2. Mercedes | 409 3. Ferrari | 406 4. McLaren | 302 5. Aston Martin | 280 6. Alpine | 120 7. Williams | 28 8. AlphaTauri | 25 9. Alfa Romeo | 16 10. Haas | 12
As the curtain falls on the 2023 season, the outlook for the future is promising. Teams will be keen to reflect on the progress made, strategize for improvement, and set their sights on the next season with renewed energy and determination.
With major changes and developments expected, fans and analysts alike eagerly anticipate how these dynamics will play out in the upcoming season.