The Red Bull driver clinched his 20th career pole position in Abu Dhabi on Saturday and will start the finale on Sunday (2 p.m./live ServusTV, Sky) ahead of his team-mate Sergio Perez and Ferrari man Charles Leclerc. In the World Cup it is still unclear whether Perez or Leclerc will take second place behind Verstappen.
Both hold 290 points each, but the Monegasse Leclerc has won more this year, which currently gives him the advantage. Verstappen inquired about the collective performance immediately after crossing the finish line and seemed relieved when he heard that the front row of the grid was full. Perez praised a “good job” by the team, as the Mexican said. Leclerc said: “It should be exciting with ‘Checo’.”
A week ago in Brazil, Verstappen Perez refused to help. The Dutchman adamantly refused to let his stablemate overtake in the final moments of the race in Sao Paulo, despite team management’s orders. Verstappen finished the Grand Prix in sixth place, which was meaningless for him in terms of sport, Perez was seventh. In Abu Dhabi, everyone involved emphasized that these faults had now been patched up and that everyone in the team would pull together this weekend.
After Mercedes’ double victory, Red Bull motorsport consultant Helmut Marko was pleased “that the old ranking” was restored. The “Silver Arrows” of Lewis Hamilton and George Russell only finished fifth and sixth, Carlos Sainz was fourth in the second Ferrari. “What encourages us even more are the long runs,” Marko gave an insight on ServusTV. If that could be confirmed in the race, “the goal of a new record for individual wins and one-two in the World Championship should be close.”
Sebastian Vettel finished ninth in the Aston Martin. The four-time world champion will retire from Formula 1 after the race at Yas Marina Circuit. “I think overall it was very good. It was a lot of fun,” said the 35-year-old German. “With ninth place we were able to beat a car. I know that doesn’t sound like a lot, but for us it’s a lot.”
The title decisions in Formula 1 – unlike last year – were made long before the last act. Verstappen has won his second world championship, Red Bull is the constructors’ champion.
Source: Nachrichten
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