The F1 season came to a breathtaking conclusion at Yas Marina, where the atmosphere was electric as drivers took to the track for the final race of 2023. This year's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix not only showcased exceptional talent but also solidified the standings for both drivers and constructors as the season closed with a flourish.
Max Verstappen, driving for Red Bull, captured another victory, further establishing his dominant performance throughout the year. "Winning 19 races is just unbelievable," said Verstappen after stepping down from the podium. His triumph at Yas Marina solidified his lead in the championship standings, finishing the season with an impressive 575 points.
Contesting for the podium alongside Verstappen were Charles Leclerc and George Russell, who finished second and third, respectively. Leclerc, maintaining his starting position, reflected on his performance, stating, "I'm proud to have secured a spot on the podium in the last race, and I hope to push for even better results next season."
However, the race was not without its challenges for some drivers. Carlos Sainz faced a tough day after starting from P16, a position that prevented any significant gains during the race. "The start was difficult, and our strategy didn’t quite pan out as we hoped. We were anticipating a Safety Car, which never came," Sainz lamented. This performance limited Ferrari's ability to challenge Mercedes for second place in the constructors' rankings.
The final drivers’ standings for the 2023 season saw Verstappen leading comfortably, followed by Sergio Perez with 285 points, and Lewis Hamilton from Mercedes in third place with 234 points. Fernando Alonso and Leclerc tied with 206 points, showcasing the competitive edge among the top drivers. Lando Norris rounded out the top six with 205 points, proving his ascent with McLaren this season.
With the constructors' standings also wrapping up, Red Bull topped the chart with a staggering 860 points, far ahead of Mercedes and Ferrari. "It's been a monumental season for us," said Red Bull team principal Christian Horner. "To finish with such a clear lead is a testament to the hard work everyone's put in this year."
Mercedes retained second place with 409 points, only three points ahead of Ferrari, who concluded their season with 406 points. The tension in the constructors’ battle was palpable, and both teams fought hard until the end. "Every point counts, and we are grateful for our performance this year," said Mercedes' team principal Toto Wolff.
The complete drivers’ standings concluded as follows: 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) Charles LECLERC (Ferrari) – 206 points 6) Lando NORRIS (McLaren) – 205 points 7) Carlos SAINZ (Ferrari) – 200 points 8) George RUSSELL (Mercedes) – 175 points 9) Oscar PIASTRI (McLaren) – 97 points 10) Lance STROLL (Aston Martin) – 74 points.
The constructors’ standings were similarly competitive, reflecting the intense battles throughout the season: 1) Red Bull – 860 points 2) Mercedes – 409 points 3) Ferrari – 406 points 4) McLaren – 302 points 5) Aston Martin – 280 points 6) Alpine – 120 points 7) Williams – 28 points 8) AlphaTauri – 25 points 9) Alfa Romeo – 16 points 10) Haas – 12 points.
As the 2023 season wraps up, teams will now focus on the upcoming winter months. As Sainz noted, "It’s time to regroup and come back stronger for next season. We know what we need to improve, and we will address those areas."
Looking ahead, Formula 1 enthusiasts are already eagerly anticipating the next season, with hopes for even more exhilarating races and rivalries among the elite drivers in the 2024 campaign.