Round 23- F1 FINAL GFT AI Driver Rankings for 2023: Verstappen wins Abu Dhabi GP for 19th victory
26 November 2023
By Bob Francis, Managing Editor
Go Full Throttle Racing News
- Editor's Note: Due to a cyber-attack on our website, this story did not post on 26 November 2023 and we have spent the last 30 days rebuilding the site and adding more security. Our apologies to our readers and subscribers.
Max Verstappen kept his winning streak alive at the season ending race, taking pole position in qualifying and driving to victory Sunday’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. It was Verstappen’s 19th win in 22 races to wrap up a record setting year for he and Red Bull Racing.
Verstappen edged ahead of Ferrari driver Charles Leclerc into the first corner and through the first lap, then went to work establishing his lead and negating any tire or pit strategy that competitors deployed.
Red Bull Racing’s Sergio Perez had already locked up 2nd in the season points, but raced hard and crossed the line in second position. However, a five-second time penalty for an incident with Lando Norris dropped him to fourth in the final results, moving Leclerc to P2, and George Russell P3.
The FINAL 2023 F1 GFT AI Driver Rankings after Abu Dhabi GP:
Winners quote
“An incredible season,” said race-winner Verstappen. “It was a bit emotional on the in lap, the last time I was sitting in the car that has, of course, given me a lot. I’m very proud to win here also at the last race. I have to say a big thank you to Red Bull, it’s just been an incredible year. It will be hard to do something similar again, but we definitely enjoyed this year.”
On to 2024!
Go Full Throttle Racing News Formula 1 coverage kicks off with the Bahrain Grand Prix from February 29 to March 2, 2024.
