It was a fitting end for a near-perfect season for Max Verstappen. In the closing stages of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix he led his 1000th lap in 2023. To put that achievement into context, there are fewer than 20 drivers in the history of Formula 1 who have led 1000 laps in their entire career.
His 19th win at the wheel of the RB19 was like many of his victories this year – a dominant display that looked easy.
As for much of the season, the interest then