That's all for the on-track action from the 2023 Formula 1 season. But the action will continue on the Inside Line F1 Podcast into the off-season of the sport. We've got a few Team Principals lined up as guests followed by Daryl Goodrich (Director of the Brawn GP documentary) and Andrew Denford (from F1 in Schools).
But in this episode of the Inside Line F1 Podcast, Soumil Arora, Kunal Shah and @f1statsguru review the 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Was the race fitting as a finale for the 2023 Formula 1 season? Or was it underwhelming at best? Frankly, the Feature Race of Formula 2 in Abu Dhabi was far more fun!
Max Verstappen's 19th win of the season, his overtaking of Sebastian Vettel's win tally of 53 races, his leading more than 1,000 racing laps this season and more. The 2023 Abu Dhabi was yet another race of dominance by Verstappen and Red Bull Racing. However, it was also another classic for Sergio Perez. Checo lost positions yet again, this time due to a post-race time penalty! It's the third consecutive race in which he's lost positions on the final lap!
McLaren's missed opportunities with Lando Norris and their slow stop giving George Russell and Mercedes vital track position and points in their battle for P2 against Ferrari, Charles Leclerc's Sainz-esque approach to clinch P2, Tsunoda-Hamilton's last lap scrap and Fernando Alonso's brake-testing of Hamilton. A lot happened in the 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix even if the overall race wasn't as exciting. 'Tyre management' was the name of the game, unfortunately.
Btw, did you notice the new podium at the Yas Marina Circuit? Also, AI was in action for 'track limits' this race. Lots to talk about, lots to tune in for!
(Season 2023, Episode 63)

Follow our hosts on Twitter: Soumil Arora, @f1statsguru and Kunal Shah
Image courtesy: Mercedes