Max Verstappen ended his campaign with yet another dominant display as he secured his 15th victory of the season with an assured drive at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to cap a truly remarkable 2022. Having already wrapped up his second world title and helped Oracle Red Bull Racing secure the constructors’ crown, the Dutch driver showed no signs of complacency as he cruised to victory from pole position at Yas Marina Circuit.
Team-mate Sergio Pérez started the race level on points with Charles LeClerc and knew that finishing ahead of the Ferrari driver would secure second in the drivers' championship. The Mexican pushed hard throughout the race but was unable to catch LeClerc and eventually had to settle for third in the race and in the final championship standings.
Scuderia AlphaTauri driver Yuki Tsunoda narrowly missed out on the points as he finished in 11th place, while team-mate Pierre Gasly – who will be replaced by Dutchman Nyck de Vries next season – was 14th in his final race for the team.
Honda Racing Corporation (HRC) provides technical support to the Oracle Red Bull Racing team will continue its collaborative support towards the team in the 2023 racing season.
-QUOTES-
Oracle Red Bull Racing
MAX VERSTAPPEN - 1st
“It was incredible to win here again and to get 15 wins in total this season is unbelievable. It was a good race, the one-stop really worked for me and it was all about tyre management today. As a Team, we did everything we could to get Checo up there ahead of Charles, we had split strategies, but it didn’t work out today. Overall, we’ve achieved a lot this year as a Team and we can all be proud of that, its great motivation heading into next year. We’ve had an incredible season and I want to thank everyone in the Team out here in Abu Dhabi and back at the factory, this sport requires dedication, and everyone at Oracle Red Bull Racing has that, it’s clear to see. I’m really looking forward to a break now and I hope everyone has a good Winter and much-needed time with family and friends.”
SERGIO PÉREZ - 3rd
“I am pleased because I gave it my all today. In the end, we just didn’t have enough, and this is how the sport works, sometimes you win and sometimes you lose. It hurts to lose second place in the Championship by one second, there are things we could have done better but at the end of the day what matters is that you never give up in this sport and that is what I have done this season, on and off track, so I can go home happy. What really meant the most this season is that we gave everything, always, and we ended the final race doing just that. The Team has had a tremendous year so it is nice to finish the season well, we will regroup and look to another strong year in 2023.”
Scuderia AlphaTauri
YUKI TSUNODA - 11th
“I did the best I could out there today, so I have to be pleased with that. Unfortunately, the tyre just dropped off at the end and I couldn’t keep up the pace and make it to the points. It’s been a tough year for the team, but on the positive side, I’ve learnt a lot, especially from Pierre. It’s been a pleasure to work with him over the last two years and I want to say thanks to him for everything he’s done for both me and the team.”
PIERRE GASLY - 14th
“I don’t have many things to say about the race, we tried something different today, but it didn’t seem to work. It was my last with Scuderia AlphaTauri, and sadly tonight didn’t reflect our time together. I will remember everything I have experienced over the years with the team, my first race in Formula 1, first podium and first win. I know that I am a better driver today because of them and I am so grateful for all these achievements. I want to say a massive thank you to everyone I’ve worked with, they’ve all done a tremendous job. We’ve had three amazing podiums and now it’s time to celebrate these unforgettable memories together.”
