Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, UAE, 16 November, 2022: The drivers’ and constructors’ championships are all but secured with Max Verstappen and Red Bull sealing the titles respectively, however there is still plenty to play for in this weekend’s FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX 2022.
Verstappen’s victory in the United States Grand Prix last month meant that Red Bull clinched the constructors’ title, the team’s first since 2013 with the result ending Mercedes eight-year streak.
While they will be aiming to end their triumphant season in style, there are other battles to be fought on the track. Here are the key battles to be fought in the last contest of the 22-race season in both the drivers and constructors’ standings.
Drivers’ Championship
The battle for second place between Leclerc and Perez
Verstappen’s refusal to agree to team orders at Sunday’s Brazilian Grand Prix to allow Sergio Perez past him on the final lap was one of the main talking points and his decision has meant Charles Leclerc and Perez head to Abu Dhabi for Sunday’s F1 season finale level on points with 290. Leclerc, who finished fourth in Brazil, sits second in the standings given the Ferrari driver has one more race win.
Advantage with Russell with Hamilton lurking behind
It was a weekend to remember for Mercedes in Sao Paulo with a one-two finish on Sunday. George Russell took his maiden Grand Prix victory - Mercedes’ first in 2022 with an impressive display, holding off team-mate Lewis Hamilton, who finished second. The result not only puts him in control of fourth place but Russell is on course to finish above seven-time world champion Hamilton, who is 25 points adrift, in the standings and another points finish will cap a memorable F1 debut season for the 24-year-old.
Vettel searching for top-10 finish in final appearance
All eyes will be on Sebastian Vettel as he gets behind an F1 wheel for the last time at Yas Marina Circuit. The four-time champion missed out on a top-10 finish in Brazil after coming 11th but will be aiming to end his career on a high with at least a points finish for Aston Martin.
Constructors’ Championship
Mercedes and Ferrari battle for second spot
Mercedes was the biggest winner in Brazil with Russell and Hamilton finishing first and second respectively, but the team still find themselves 19 points behind Ferrari. The Italian outfit remains in second place with 524 points, adding 27 points to their tally thanks to the third and fourth place finishes from Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc.
Fourth place up for grabs
Having earned a total of 167 points over the course of the season, Alpine is currently in the driving seat for fourth place with a 19-point advantage over McLaren, who sits fifth.
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