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Verstappen wins the season finale at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

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ABU DHABI: Two-time world champion Max Verstappen claimed a record 15th win of the year with an “outstanding” performance for Red Bull in Sunday’s tight and strategic Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as Sebastian Vettel retired a point away.

The 25-year-old Verstappen dominated from start to finish but was unable to help Red Bull team mate Sergio Perez in his bid to beat Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and finish second behind him in the drivers’ title.

Leclerc, driving with great precision and awareness, worked his all-out strategy by holding off Perez, on fresher tires after two pit stops, in the closing laps to confirm that Ferrari finished second in the manufacturers’ competition as it did in the drivers’ competition.

Carlos Sainz came home fourth in Ferrari’s second race ahead of Mercedes’ George Russell, Lando Norris of McLaren, Esteban Ocon of Alpine and Lance Stroll of Aston Martin.

Daniel Ricciardo finished ninth for McLaren, while four-time champion Vettel finished 10th in his final race for Aston Martin.

“I wish there were two more points,” said the retired German driver.

“Great day, thank you for all the support and the smiling faces. I’m sure I’ll be missed more than I can imagine,” added Vettel who heads into the F1 sunset with four world drivers’ titles, 53 race wins, 57 pole positions and a chorus of salutes ringing in his ears. .

Seven-times champion Lewis Hamilton, who finished third despite struggling with his Mercedes for most of the race, retired in the closing laps with hydraulic problems.

Hamilton, who lost his eighth world title in a controversial climax last year on the track, finished a season without a win for the first time.

Verstappen’s victory was the third in a row in Abu Dhabi and the 33rd of his career. His engineer came over the team radio and told the Dutch driver his drive in the twilight at Yas Marina Circuit was “fantastic”.

But it was Leclerc who wept with relief as he crossed the line. “Yeah, honey,” he said, “we get it.” “Good job guys, really good racing.”

After another hot day, the competition began with temperatures dropping from 28 degrees with Alpha Tauri bestowing a guard of honour on departing Pierre Gasly as Aston Martin presented Vettel with a cake before the final race. Verstappen made a clean start to the lead from the powerful Perez.

Hamilton struggled to clear Sainz, and as the Spaniard made his way through, he moved into the run-off area to avoid a collision, moving up to fourth. The umpires acquitted Sainz of any misdemeanour, and let the British take back the place.

On lap five, Hamilton found his way back and passed Sainz on the way, but again struggled to pull away, complaining that his car had been damaged while riding the barriers on the opening lap.

Russell, sixth behind Sainz, told the team that “Lewis needs to pick up the pace…we can beat the Ferrari” but it was a desperate plea as Sainz passed Hamilton again at Turn Nine on lap eight.

“You’re free to race,” Russell’s engineer replied when asked, and quickly passed his teammate for fifth place. Obviously, Hamilton was struggling for pace on the straights.

By lap 15, Verstappen had a lead of 5.7 ahead of Perez, who was 1.3 ahead of Leclerc as the first round of pit stops began.

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