Lewis Hamilton ended the 2019 Formula One season in style by dominating and winning the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit by leading the race from start to finish as well as taking the extra point for the fastest lap of the race. It was the icing on the cake for what has been a fantastic season for Hamilton, who took his sixth World Championship at the United States Grand Prix last month. It is his fifth win here in Abu Dhabi and his eleventh win of the season.
Teammate Valtteri Bottas drove a very strong race, working his way through the backmarkers and field to finish fourth, just a second behind third placed Charles Leclerc, which was quite a feat seeing as he started from the back of the grid.
Max Verstappen, who has continued to impress and mature as a driver this season, brought his Red Bull home in second, to round off what has been a really strong season for the young Dutchman.
The other young driver who has grown in maturity this season is Charles Leclerc who has performed consistently well all season and, in some cases, outperformed his teammate, particularly in qualifying. His third-place finish in Abu Dhabi was his tenth podium finish this season.
Sebastian Vettel brought the second Ferrari home in fifth, having managed to pass Alexander Albon in his Red Bull on the second to last lap, but overall it was a disappointing result for the German.
Sergio Perez finished seventh, ahead of Lando Norris, after their scrap on the final lap, whilst Daniil Kvyat finished ninth in his Toro Rosso. Carlos Sainz’s pass on Daniel Ricciardo on the final lap meant that he managed to take the final point and claim sixth in the Driver’s Championship.
The 2020 FIA Formula One World Championship starts again in Melbourne on 15th March at the Australian Grand Prix.
Top photo of Lewis Hamilton on the podium at the 2019 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – Photo credit: LAT Images