P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Max Verstappen has said strategy and the Yas Marina Circuit layout stopped him backing up the McLaren drivers in F1’s Abu Dhabi GP.
Max Verstappen stated that strategy and the Yas Marina Circuit layout prevented him from slowing down to back up the McLaren drivers in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix of Formula 1.
After a remarkable comeback following the summer break, Verstappen managed to close a 104-point gap to just 12 points before Abu Dhabi in the quest for his fifth consecutive title.
Despite needing a win and Norris finishing outside the top three in the Yas Marina Circuit race, Verstappen won but Norris claimed his first World Championship.
Verstappen led the entire race, but due to circumstances, he couldn’t slow down and back up the pack as some had expected.
The two-stop strategy by Norris and Leclerc, combined with Verstappen’s tyre life deficit and track layout changes, made backing up the pack unfeasible.
Although hoping for a twist in the Abu Dhabi GP, Verstappen remained focused and reflective on the rollercoaster season that ultimately decided his championship fate.
