By Mona Lisa Faris
Max Verstappen wrapped up a dominant 2022 season with victory at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, sealing his 15th win of the year and breaking the record for most victories in a single Formula 1 campaign. The Red Bull driver led from start to finish under the floodlights of Yas Marina, ahead of Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Mercedes’ George Russell.
While the championship had long been decided, pride and position were still at stake. Leclerc’s runner-up finish secured him second place in the Drivers’ standings, edging out Sergio Pérez after a tense strategic duel that came down to tire wear in the final laps.
Class of 2022 – F1 drivers group photo before the race at Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Nov 20, 2022 in Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, UAE. (Photo by Robert Szaniszló/NurPhoto via Getty Images)
Lewis Hamilton’s race ended prematurely with hydraulic issues—his first mechanical retirement of the season—while teammate Russell brought home crucial points for Mercedes. “It’s been an unforgettable year,” Verstappen said after the race. “Ending on a high like this shows how strong our team really is.”
With fireworks bursting over the marina, Formula 1 closed its 2022 chapter on a familiar note: dominance, precision, and anticipation for what’s next.
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