As usual, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix has marked the end of the Formula 1 season. The emotions of 2021 are now a distant memory, and on Sunday, the 5.281-kilometre Yas Marina Circuit on Yas Island was the perfect picture of what began in March: Max Verstappen pulled away again without any issues, giving a colossal lead to his rivals, while Sergio Perez struggled, making several mistakes. Behind them, a razor-edge battle for crucial points in the constructors’ and drivers’ standings, with the outcome partly influenced by an inconsistent Federation.
These are some of the points touched upon by Italian journalist and motorsport expert Giorgio Terruzzi in his latest article for the Italian daily newspaper Corriere della Sera:
“The end, like the beginning. Max Verstappen starts from pole position, travels at a pace unattainable by anyone, manages, and wins. This happened 19 times out of 23 races. Incredibly fast, ruthless, a champion: 575 points against Sergio Perez’s 285, who finished second; 206 for Charles Leclerc, fifth. The comparison tells the story of the last puzzle remaining on the Abu Dhabi track, concerning the second place among the Constructors. Ferrari tried, placed Charles Leclerc in second, with Carlos Sainz disappearing towards the end, but didn’t make it. Third, behind Mercedes by 3 points due to George Russell’s third place. All with yet another federal interference that penalized Sergio Perez by five seconds for a venial sin while overtaking Lando Norris. From second at the finish line to fourth, much to the delight of Toto Wolff and company. It’s the second time it has happened in two races if we consider Carlos Sainz’s setback in Las Vegas due to a manhole cover, which should be enough to make it tough at the highest federal levels,” wrote the journalist.
Given how the year started, the Ferrari result and the podiums in recent weeks are like the light at the end of the tunnel, although there is little to celebrate considering last season’s numbers: “On the other hand, Ferrari worsens the result of 2022 when they finished second; Charles Leclerc ends up fifth in the championship after finishing behind champion Max Verstappen in 2022. The victories have decreased, only one (with Carlos Sainz at the Marina Bay streets circuit in Singapore) against the 4 of last year, the same for the poles, 7 against the 12 of the previous season. A regression, indeed, despite some recent signs of awakening, which bring a bit of serenity when thinking about the future. Although, to catch this Red Bull, miraculous brilliance will be needed.” – Giorgio Terruzzi concluded at the end of the 2023 Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Show your support for Scuderia Ferrari with official merchandise collection! Click here to enter the F1 online Store and shop securely! And also get your F1 tickets for every race with VIP hospitality and unparalleled insider access. Click here for the best offers to support Charles and Carlos from the track!
Leave a Reply