Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: a surprise or a record to end it?

All 22 Grand Prix races were won by Max Verstappen. All? No! Because, in Djeddah and Singapore, only two men prevented him from having a perfect season and achieving 100% victories in one season (which has never happened before in history): Sergio Pérez and Carlos Sainz.

During this Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the stakes won’t be as epic as in 2010 or 2021, but the season could close with a taste of what’s to come in 2024.

Verstappen to enter the record

The Dutch driver has achieved 18 victories out of the 21 Grand Prix races, most often with such ease that it gives the impression that everything is easy for him. So, one wonders what could stop him through regular means, if not an extremely unlikely whim from his reliable Red Bull car.

Moreover, the statistics speak for themselves: with three victories on the Abu Dhabi circuit, he could add a fourth, which would make him the most successful man in Grand Prix history alongside Lewis Hamilton (each with four victories). And as a bonus, he would hold the record for most wins in a season, with a score of 19 out of 22. That is a ratio of 86.36%.

Already a world champion since Qatar, a new victory would place him, in addition to that, in 3rd place of the most successful F1 drivers: 54 victories, behind Michael Schumacher’s 91 and Lewis Hamilton’s 103… waiting for the 104th?

Finally a strong competition for the victory?

It is clear that adversity was lacking for the first step of the podium, and it was not for lack of trying. And it must be said that, in the fight for 2nd place in the constructors’ championship, efforts could be thrown into the battle to gain momentum for 2024.

Mercedes and Ferrari are separated by four small points in the constructors’ standings. It means that whoever finishes ahead of the other will be the vice world champion.

The peculiarities of the Emirati circuit could better suit Mercedes, even if the long straight lines will be a paradise for Ferrari. But we will have to keep an eye on McLaren, who have made a fantastic comeback since Silverstone and who could attempt, one last time, to challenge Red Bull.

Aston Martin has regained its pace, and having two performing drivers is a guarantee of potential success. Especially with the objective of reaching the 4th place in the constructors championship against McLaren.

Destiny could also have a sense of humor: in 2011, a peak performance Vettel approached the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as the overwhelming favorite…only to have to retire in the very first lap. Verstappen not having encountered any major mechanical issues during the race, who knows if the Honda engine will throw its only tantrum of the season.

Unless, simply, a power struggle takes place at the top. But only the free practice sessions, starting this Friday, will be able to confirm the weekend’s trend.