The dust has settled on the Yas Marina Circuit, and the 2023 Formula 1 World Championship has come to an exhilarating close. The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix delivered a thrilling conclusion, with plenty of surprises and drama that kept fans on the edge of their seats. Let’s take a closer look at the final standings and how the Abu Dhabi GP impacted the championship.
The Battle for Constructors’ Runner-Up
One of the most intense battles in the Abu Dhabi GP was not for the championship itself but for the runner-up spot in the F1 Constructors’ Championship. The contenders were none other than Ferrari and Mercedes, two giants of the sport. In a nail-biting showdown that went down to the very last lap, Mercedes emerged victorious, clinching the second-place finish by a mere three points. It was a testament to the fierce competition between these two powerhouse teams.
Verstappen’s Dominance
In the world of Formula 1, Max Verstappen’s dominance in the 2023 season was nothing short of spectacular. He secured his position at the top of the driver standings by accumulating a total of 575 points throughout the season. Verstappen’s 26-point haul in Abu Dhabi sealed his championship win, with a comfortable lead of 290 points over his teammate Sergio Perez. This margin was a significant improvement from the previous year when Verstappen’s lead over Charles Leclerc was 146 points in 2022. Verstappen’s performance showcased his unrivaled talent and determination to claim the championship title.
Alonso’s Photo Finish
While the battle for the top spot was captivating, the competition for positions behind the podium was equally thrilling. Fernando Alonso, representing Aston Martin, engaged in a fierce duel with Charles Leclerc from Ferrari. Remarkably, they finished the season tied on 206 points. However, Alonso prevailed on countback, determined by the highest number of top finishes. The turning point came when Alonso passed AlphaTauri’s Yuki Tsunoda in the closing stages of the Abu Dhabi GP, securing his fourth-place finish and leaving Leclerc in his wake. It was a photo finish that added an extra layer of excitement to the season’s conclusion.
Shuffling the Midfield
The midfield battles were just as intense as the ones at the front of the grid. Lando Norris of McLaren finished just one point behind Alonso and Leclerc in sixth place, showcasing his potential as a future champion. Meanwhile, Carlos Sainz of Ferrari slipped from fourth to seventh in the points standings after a challenging weekend in Abu Dhabi. However, Leclerc managed to climb from seventh to fifth, a testament to his resilience.
George Russell, who joined Mercedes, secured a podium finish but remained in eighth place overall. Behind him, Oscar Piastri (McLaren) and Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) rounded out the top ten.
Constructors’ Showdown
In the Constructors’ Championship, Red Bull Racing Honda emerged as the dominant force, finishing the season with a commanding 451-point lead over Mercedes. This victory marked a significant improvement over the previous year when their lead over Ferrari was 205 points. Mercedes secured the runner-up spot on the final lap, as Leclerc allowed Perez to pass him into second, attempting to deny Mercedes the points they needed. However, Perez’s penalty ultimately pushed him back to fourth, behind Leclerc and Russell, who crossed the finish line just 1.1 seconds apart.
Ferrari finished three points shy of second place but maintained a healthy 103-point lead over McLaren. Aston Martin and Alpine held firm in fifth and sixth positions, respectively. AlphaTauri came close to overtaking Williams for seventh, thanks to Yuki Tsunoda’s outstanding performance in the Abu Dhabi finale, falling just three points short. Alfa Romeo and Haas F1 Team rounded out the positions.
The 2023 Formula 1 season was a rollercoaster ride of excitement and unpredictability, and the Abu Dhabi GP provided a fitting conclusion to a year filled with incredible racing. As we look forward to the next season, one thing is certain: the world of Formula 1 never fails to deliver thrills, surprises, and unforgettable moments for fans around the globe.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Formula 1 season finale
What were the key highlights of the 2023 F1 season finale in Abu Dhabi?
The 2023 F1 season finale in Abu Dhabi featured thrilling battles, including Mercedes securing the Constructors’ runner-up spot, Max Verstappen’s dominant performance, and Fernando Alonso’s photo-finish victory over Charles Leclerc.
How did Max Verstappen perform in the 2023 F1 season?
Max Verstappen had a stellar season in 2023, accumulating 575 points and securing the F1 Drivers’ Championship. He maintained a substantial lead over his teammate, Sergio Perez, and showcased his exceptional racing skills.
What determined the outcome of the battle between Fernando Alonso and Charles Leclerc?
Fernando Alonso and Charles Leclerc finished the season tied on 206 points. The tiebreaker was determined by the highest number of top finishes, with Alonso prevailing due to his performance in the Abu Dhabi GP, where he passed Yuki Tsunoda to secure fourth place.
Who were the standout performers in the midfield during the 2023 F1 season?
Lando Norris impressed by finishing just one point behind Alonso and Leclerc in sixth place, displaying his potential as a future champion. Carlos Sainz faced challenges and slipped to seventh place. George Russell secured a podium finish for Mercedes, but he remained in eighth place overall.
How did the Constructors’ Championship unfold in 2023?
Red Bull Racing Honda dominated the Constructors’ Championship, finishing with a commanding 451-point lead over Mercedes. Ferrari secured third place, followed by McLaren. Aston Martin and Alpine held their positions in the midfield, while AlphaTauri came close to overtaking Williams for seventh place. Alfa Romeo and Haas F1 Team rounded out the championship standings.
More about Formula 1 season finale
- 2023 Formula 1 Season Highlights
- Max Verstappen’s 2023 Season Performance
- Fernando Alonso’s F1 Career
- 2023 Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship Standings
5 comments
Wow, such an amazin’ race season! Mercedez clinchin’ the second, Verstappin’ bossin’ it, and Alonso pullin’ off that photo finish, epic stuff!
max verstappin’ is a beast in 2023, dominatin’ all the way, no doubt he’s the champ!
Thumbs up for the links, gonna dive deeper into the stats! Thanks for the deets, mate!
Red Bull smashin’ it in constructors, Mercedes’s runner-up drama, Ferrari holdin’ on, and McLaren’s not too far behind, excitin’ stuff!
Alonso & Leclerc battlin’ it out, tiebreaker madness! F1 midfield’s a rollercoaster, Norris, Sainz, and Russell mixin’ it up!