2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix recap: Verstappen's 19th win of a record season
Max Verstappen closed 2023 with 19 wins from 22 races, while Mercedes edged Ferrari for second in the constructors' standings.
Max Verstappen finished his most dominant season in style at Yas Marina on 26 November 2023. His win in Abu Dhabi was his 19th from 22 races that year, a record, and his 54th career victory, which moved him past Sebastian Vettel into third on the all-time list, according to Crash.
Verstappen fended off an attack from Charles Leclerc on the opening lap and controlled the race from there. Leclerc finished second and George Russell third.
The real fight was behind them. Sergio Perez crossed the line second but had a five-second penalty for a collision with Lando Norris, which dropped him to fourth. Knowing about the penalty, Leclerc let Perez past late on in the hope of helping Ferrari's points, but it was not enough: Mercedes held on to second in the constructors' championship.
Further back, Norris finished fifth, ahead of Oscar Piastri, Fernando Alonso and Yuki Tsunoda, who held off Lewis Hamilton on the final lap for eighth. Lance Stroll took the last point in 10th.
Verstappen comes to Abu Dhabi in 2026 fourth in the standings with 221 points. This year's race is on Sunday 6 December.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2026Race day Sun 6 Dec · Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi See tickets
