THE final round of the 2022 FIA Formula 1 World Championship witnessed a dominant display from Max Verstappen, the Dutch driver starting from pole position and never seriously challenged for the win.  His 15th win of the season sets another new record.

Verstappen’s Red Bull Racing team mate Sergio Perez narrowly lost out to Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc in the battle for 2nd place in the World Championship for Drivers, both men starting the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on equal points.

The race was notable as the final Grand Prix for 4-times World Champion Sebastian Vettel, his Aston Martin picking up the final point for 10th place, while Daniel Ricciardo, Mick Schumacher and Nicholas Latifi were also potentially racing in F1 for the last time.

“This race was just perfect for Max and underlined what a brilliant performance he and the Red Bull team have produced this season,” said Mika Hakkinen.  “Someone pointed out to me that in 1988 Alain Prost and Ayrton Senna won 15 Grands Prix from 16 races for McLaren, so for Max to do that himself is quite fantastic.  He has speed and consistency, the car has been quick all year and, once they got past those small reliability problems at the start of 2022, it’s been incredible.”

“I think Charles Leclerc drove a fantastic race to finish 2nd and take the runner-up position behind Max in the World Championship.  ‘Checo’ Perez gave everything, but I think Charles deserves this 2nd place.  He started from pole nine times, won three Grands Prix and – in the first half of the season – looked like a real threat to Max.  To finish 2nd will definitely give him and everyone at Ferrari extra focus to challenge for the championship next year..”

Mercedes posted a disappointing end to the season with George Russell 5th and Lewis Hamilton forced to retire his car with a hydraulic problem.

“It’s been a very tough year for Mercedes.  Sunday’s race was a big disappointment, George taking a penalty and Lewis having a rare reliability problem. It is incredible to think that this is the first season in which Lewis has not won a Grand Prix since the started of his F1 career back in 2007- but somehow I think this will make him even more determined next season.  One thing is fore sure – he and Mercedes will definitely not want a repeat of 2022!”

“Sebastian Vettel’s retirement is a big moment for him and F1. He did an absolutely brilliant job at Red Bull to win those four titles and I feel sure we can say that finishing 2nd in a Ferrari to Lewis in 2017 and 2018 – at the top of Mercedes dominance – was really a great achievement.”

“It was great to see Daniel Ricciardo finish his career at McLaren by joining Lando Norris in the points on Sunday.  Daniel is a good driver, but after some years in F1 a break can be important.  When I retired from F1 my McLaren team boss Ron Dennis convinced me to call it a sabbatical, but I knew I would not be coming back.  I think Daniel is different – he has had a couple of tough seasons and just needs to rediscover his motivation.  At 33 years of age, he has time on his side.”

Behind Alpine and McLaren in the World Championship for Constructors, Alfa Romeo finished 6th – the Swiss teams best result since 2012.  Team leader Valtteri Bottas scored 49 of the team’s 55 points this season.

“I am so happy for Valtteri because Alfa Romeo signed him to bring his experience to the team and he really delivered,” said Mika. “For a smaller team the first part of this season was going to be super important because, as the season progresses, the bigger teams always become more competitive.  In the first 9 races Valtteri scored points 7 times, including that 5th in Imola, and his points finishes in Mexico and Brazil were a fantastic way to end the season.  For Alfa Romeo to finish behind McLaren and in front of Aston Martin is a great achievement and hopefully there is more to come next season.”