Abu Dhabi, UAE, 22 November 2023: Max Verstappen and his Red Bull team go into this weekend’s 15th FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX having secured the drivers’ and constructors’ titles but there’s plenty to play for in the 2023 season-finale.

After another dominant season, world champion Verstappen will be searching for his 19th race victory of the year at Yas Marina Circuit while Red Bull holds an astonishing 430-point lead in the constructors’ standings.

Now just one single race remains and the focus will be on the other teams and drivers as we prepare to enter the 23rd and final race of the season.

Mercedes and Ferrari battle for second place
Following the Las Vegas Grand Prix, only four points separate the two teams. Carlos Sainz Jr recovered from a 10-place penalty that saw him start in P12 in Saturday night’s race to seal a sixth-place finish. Together with Charles Leclerc’s runner-up spot, the results ensured Ferrari picked up 16 crucial points and closed the gap to the Silver Arrows, who saw Lewis Hamilton and George Russell finish seventh and eighth respectively, adding 10 points to their team’s tally.

Aston Martin lurking behind McLaren for fourth spot
Lance Stroll enjoyed one of his finest drives of his career in Las Vegas with the 25-year-old Canadian finishing P5 on Saturday night, having started down the grid in P19. There was even more reason to celebrate with his team-mate Fernando Alonso also picking up points (two) following his ninth-place finish after an uncharacteristic mistake in lap one.

Their performances have reduced the deficit on McLaren to just 11 points with the latter outfit only adding two points thanks to Oscar Piastri’s 10th place finish.

Who will be in Seventh heaven?
Williams currently occupy seventh spot in the constructors’ standings on 28 points but they’re in a four-way battle with AlphaTauri (21 points), Alfa Romeo (16) and Haas (12) going into Abu Dhabi. None of the four teams were able to add to their tally in Las Vegas with Williams’ Alex Albon finishing highest in 12th position.

ENDS

ABOUT ETHARA

Ethara is shaping the future of entertainment, sport, culture, event services, and asset management regionally and internationally. Headquartered on Abu Dhabi’s Yas Island, and with offices in Dubai and Riyadh, the company employs over 300 professionals who offer an unrivalled wealth of expertise, experience, knowledge and skills. Ethara, meaning ‘thrill’ in Arabic, operates an impressive portfolio of assets, including Yas Marina Circuit, Etihad Park, Etihad Arena and the Yas Conference Centre. The company works with leading events companies, IP owners, and entertainment partners locally and internationally to deliver world-class, first-to-market events and experiences. For further information, visit: www.ethara.com

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ABOUT YAS MARINA CIRCUIT

Yas Marina Circuit is the United Arab Emirates’ most exciting sporting and entertainment multi-purpose venue. Located on Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the circuit is home to the annual FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX and much more. In addition to the extensive year-round program of professional and grassroots motorsport events and experiences including Drag and Yas Track Nights, the circuit has emerged as a thriving hub for entertainment and community events in the UAE.

Yas Marina Circuit is also a champion of sustainability in motorsports, receiving the Three-Star Environmental Certification from the FIA, the governing body’s highest recognition of sustainability. The award is an acknowledgement of the circuit’s long-standing commitment to environmental management with the objective of standing with Formula One in becoming Net-Zero Carbon by 2030.

As the region’s most technologically advanced facility, the circuit is also a leading MICE venue, regularly hosting a diverse range of corporate meetings, conferences, and events. Whether you want to experience the thrill of karting at our Kartzone, driving an Aston Martin GT4 at over 200km/hour on an F1 circuit, work towards your racing license at the Yas Racing School, get fit at TrainYas, participate in one of our many sporting events, or simply catch up with friends at Yas Central, Yas Marina Circuit truly is The Meeting Place of Champions.