Lewis Hamilton’s win in Abu Dhabi made him the only driver to score points at every round in 2019, he also set a new track record for good measure.
Here’s how the final race of 2019 unfolded…
2019 has been a tough year for Daniel Ricciardo, and it has all finally caught up to him.
A first season with Renault has really taken its toll on Daniel Ricciardo.
This was him in Australia compared to now in Abu Dhabi. #F1 pic.twitter.com/901S21IHdW
— Planet F1 (@Planet_F1) December 1, 2019
But the real drama was going on down at Ferrari, yet again.
The FIA says Leclerc's fuel level is significantly different to what Ferrari have declared.
Horner says he expects a slam dunk disqualification after the race.#F1 | #AbuDhabiGP ??
— Motorsport Week (@MotorsportWeek) December 1, 2019
It was a start of few thrills as the top five remained in order – perfect for Lewis Hamilton. It didn’t take long though for Leclerc to clear Max Verstappen.
Pierre Gasly got in a spot of bother with the Racing Point’s – a broken front wing was the result and a very slow stop followed.
It’s a change of front wing for @PierreGASLY as he rejoins the race at the back of the pack #F1 #AbuDhabiGP ?? pic.twitter.com/nM2J8uDTh7
— Toro Rosso (@ToroRosso) December 1, 2019
After starting from the back Valtteri Bottas was making nice progress up the order. A technical issue with DRS deployment though meant he was having to work harder than usual.
No surprise that the circuit which prompted DRS – the Alonso/Petrov incident in 2010 – doesn't feature much overtaking when it doesn't work.
— Nate Saunders (@natesaundersF1) December 1, 2019
Leclerc was the first of the front runners to pit on Lap 13 followed by Vettel as Ferrari double-stacked their drivers. Both fitted the hards, but there was a big delay on the left front for Vettel.
After the double pit stop, standings are as follows: #Charles16 P3 and #Seb5 P6. #AbuDhabiGP??
— Scuderia Ferrari (@ScuderiaFerrari) December 1, 2019
We welcomed DRS back into our lives on Lap 18. That was music to the ears of Vettel who was stuck behind Bottas.
P4! Mega first stint for Valtteri – but he’s got VET and ALB closing in on his tail…
DRS has been activated! ?#AbuDhabiGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/dJdaCOXYhA
— Mercedes-AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) December 1, 2019
Robert Kubica was getting his elbows out in his last race for Williams. The stewards announced that they were investigating the incident but quickly ruled no further action would be taken.
LAP 24/55
Contact between Kubica and Giovinazzi at Turn 11!#AbuDhabi2019 ?? #F1 pic.twitter.com/hPsIFJFUPj
— Formula 1 (@F1) December 1, 2019
In came Verstappen on Lap 26 for the hard tyres. He came out P3 with much fresher rubber behind Leclerc. Race leader Hamilton was in on the following lap and retained that status by six seconds.
Box. Box. Box. ? 3.2s and Lewis is away on the white-marked Hard tyres ?
He rejoins back in the lead, with LEC six seconds back up the road #AbuDhabiGP #F1 pic.twitter.com/yTFP7Lmmut
— Mercedes-AMG F1 (@MercedesAMGF1) December 1, 2019
Verstappen was soon in a bit of a state though as he vented on team radio that something wasn’t right with his Red Bull.
LAP 28/55
? "Something is not right. I have a massive handbrake effect"
He has an engine braking problem after boxing for the first time#AbuDhabi2019 ?? #F1 pic.twitter.com/l2dk4MAoef
— Formula 1 (@F1) December 1, 2019
The man setting the timings alight was Bottas. He boxed on Lap 30 and came out P6 as he looked to reel in Albon. Though further up the field we were treated to another dose of Verstappen vs Leclerc – that Red Bull looked fine to us.
LAP 32/55
Verstappen moves into P2 on the inside of Leclerc at Turn 8
And then the Ferrari fights back into Turn 11! But Max holds on#AbuDhabi2019 ?? #F1 pic.twitter.com/wOxbSacC9T
— Formula 1 (@F1) December 1, 2019
Ferrari gave up on the hard tyres – in came Leclerc for the softs while Vettel took a set of mediums. This time the double change went better.
It was far from thrilling but Hamilton would bring his title-winning season to a close with victory in Abu Dhabi. That also made him the only driver to score points at every round in 2019.
BREAKING: @LewisHamilton wins in Abu Dhabi – rounding off his championship-winning season in style! ?#AbuDhabiGP ?? #F1 pic.twitter.com/AGPjBwe6OP
— Formula 1 (@F1) December 1, 2019
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