LEWIS HAMILTON’s miserable season came to a fitting end as he retired from the Abu Dhabi two laps from the end.
The Brit’s Mercedes suffered a hydraulic problem that proved terminal and condemned him to an unwelcome landmark of going a whole season without a single victory.
ReutersVerstappen took control of the race early and none of the other drivers could challenge the Red Bull[/caption]
ReutersThe victory makes it an extraordinary 15 Grand Prix wins this season for Verstappen from 22 races[/caption]
GettyIt was a frustrating end to a frustrating season for Lewis Hamilton, who had to retire his car with mechanical issues[/caption]
The Mercedes man has won at least once in each of his previous 15 years, but this season, a dreadful car design coupled with Max Verstappen‘s dominance, put an end to his record.
He had previously been involved in a clash with Carlos Sainz and later in the race blamed his team for putting him on the wrong tyre strategy.
It all proved irrelevant as he finished this race early, sick of the sight of the sluggish Merc that has been ravaged by porpoising problems.
Verstappen meanwhile, wrapped up his 15th win of the season in a dreary race in Abu Dhabi that was never going to live up to last year’s drama.
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Remember the flashpoint 12 months ago that threw F1 into turmoil? The fudged rules by FIA race director Michael Masi as Verstappen took the win and the title.
This year, the championship had been sewn up ages ago as this billion-dollar track in the desert served up a more-routine dullard.
Verstappen led from the line and was not put under any pressure from Charles Leclerc, who was second to take the runner-up spot in the championship.
Verstappen, who was booed as he was interviewed after the race, said: “It was a good race. All about tyre management from lap one to the end.
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“It was incredible to win here again this year and the 15th win of the season.
“It has been really enjoyable to work with the whole team and I know it will be hard to replicate but it is good motivation for next season.”
Sergio Perez’s third place meant he denied his Red Bull team the chance of a one-two finish in the championship.
Sainz was fourth and George Russell was fifth following on from his win in Sao Paulo last weekend.
Ironically, Hamilton’s retirement from the race catapulted his mate Sebastian Vettel into the points on his final race in F1.
GettySebastian Vettel received a guard of honour from his fellow drivers in his final F1 race[/caption]
The 35-year-old is calling time on his F1 career and the four-time world champion said: “I wish it had been a couple of more points but I enjoyed the race.
“It was a little different than before and I am sure I am going to miss F1 more than I understand today.
“The last few years have been disappointing from a sporting point of view, but very useful to me and a lot has happened.
“I hope to pass on some of the good work to the other drivers. It is great to have the power to inspire and we have far bigger and more important things than racing in circles.
“But that is what we love and if we can transfer that, it would be good. It has been a joy throughout my career.”