Verstappen claims season will be hard to replicate after Abu Dhabi triumph
Monday, 21 November 2022
Max Verstappen acknowledged it will be tough to replicate his "unbelievable" season next year after landing his 15th win of the Formula 1® campaign at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The Red Bull star secured a record third straight victory in races at the Yas Marina Circuit, leading from the start of Sunday's grand prix to its conclusion.
Dutchman Verstappen had secured his second consecutive world title long before the season-ending event in the Middle East, and it would be remarkable if he is similarly dominant in 2023.
"It's been really enjoyable this year, working with the whole team to be able to achieve something like this year," Verstappen told Sky Sports.
"I know it's going to be hard to replicate something like this, but it's also very good motivation to try and do well next year."
Verstappen and Charles Leclerc, who held off Sergio Perez to finish second in the drivers' championship, opted for a one-stop pit strategy with their respective Red Bull and Ferrari teams.
Two-time world champion Verstappen cited the importance of tyre management after an efficient performance, as constructors' championship winners Red Bull finished 205 points clear of Ferrari.
"I think we looked after the mediums quite well," he said. "And then on the hard tyres, I was looking after them from lap one until the end, but incredible to win here again."
After becoming the first driver to win three straight races in Abu Dhabi – and also the first to do so from pole in all three – Verstappen appeared somewhat lost for words, labelling the win as "unbelievable".
2022 🏆 What a year 😍 #AbuDhabiGP 🇦🇪 pic.twitter.com/UHS8f6GZeS
— Oracle Red Bull Racing (@redbullracing) November 20, 2022
