P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Max Verstappen’s reign as the defending world champion is officially over.
Max Verstappen has revealed that Oscar Piastri’s different strategy complicated his Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where his reign as defending champion ended. Verstappen comfortably converted pole position into victory at the Yas Marina Circuit but fell two points short of a record-equaling fifth consecutive F1 drivers’ title. Lando Norris finishing third and Piastri in second caused Verstappen to lose the title. The question of Verstappen holding up the pack for Norris was raised, but Piastri’s strategies caused major issues for Red Bull. Verstappen had to break away to avoid Piastri overtaking him, resulting in a failed title defense. Verstappen stated that they maximized everything, won the race, and had strong pace but acknowledged the complication Piastri’s strategy brought to the situation.
