The 2022 Formula One season came to a thrilling close with Max Verstappen and his Red Bull team showcasing their sheer dominance at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Verstappen secured his 19th victory of the year, setting a new record for the most wins in a single season.
Never before has a driver showcased such regularity and ease in winning races. Verstappen, a three-time world champion, comfortably crossed the finish line first at the Yas Marina Circuit. This incredible win moves him to third on the all-time list of career Formula One victories, with 54 wins overall. He’s surpassed only by Lewis Hamilton, a seven-time world champion with 103 victories, and Michael Schumacher with 91.
Throughout the race, Verstappen was in complete control, leading from start to finish. The only driver to attempt a challenge was Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, but his efforts proved unsuccessful into the first corner.
Verstappen’s performance this season has been truly exceptional. Accumulating a record 575 points, he achieved the largest winning margin in the championship with 290 points ahead of teammate Sergio Perez. Understandably, Verstappen expressed his emotions post-race, describing the season as “incredible” and acknowledging the significance of his last lap in the car that has brought him so much success.
Red Bull’s superiority this season has been undeniable. They secured the constructors’ championship at the Japanese Grand Prix in September with six races still remaining. The team’s car, widely regarded as one of the greatest ever in the sport, has surpassed expectations by achieving even greater success than last year’s model, which won 17 out of 22 races.
Amidst the record-breaking season, the Las Vegas Grand Prix saw Red Bull achieve a new milestone – their 20th race win in a single season. And to cap it all off, Verstappen became the first driver in history to lead over 1,000 laps in a single season at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
In summary, Max Verstappen’s dominance, along with Red Bull’s exceptional performance, has made this Formula One season one for the history books. With emotions running high and records continuously being shattered, Verstappen and his team can look back on an incredible year that will be remembered for a long time to come.
