As the Formula 1 circus rolls into Abu Dhabi for the season finale, Max Verstappen, the four-time world champion, is soaking in the nostalgia of Yas Marina—the track where his legacy took its first monumental leap. Three years ago, Verstappen clinched his maiden championship in a dramatic, controversial showdown with Lewis Hamilton, a moment forever etched in F1 history.
“Abu Dhabi Always Brings Back Good Memories”
For Verstappen, Yas Marina is more than just another race. It’s a canvas painted with the adrenaline and triumph of his 2021 title decider, a race that ignited debates, redefined rivalries, and ultimately crowned a new champion.
“We are on to the final race of the season, and Abu Dhabi always brings back good memories,” Verstappen shared, reflecting on the track’s personal significance.
The Dutch driver enters the weekend not just as a four-time champion but as a competitor with a mission—to seal his tenth win of the 2024 season and cap off another stellar campaign with Red Bull Racing.
A Grueling Season Comes to an End
Acknowledging the physical and mental toll of the marathon 2024 season, Verstappen expressed his eagerness for the winter break, a sentiment likely shared by the entire paddock.
“It has been a long season, and we are ready for a bit of time off and to spend quality time at home with family and friends.”
While the drivers gear up for some well-deserved downtime, Verstappen emphasized the relentless work continuing behind the scenes at Red Bull’s factory, where engineers are already deep into preparations for the 2025 campaign.
“It Would Be Great to Finish on a High”
Despite falling short of securing the Constructors’ Championship, Verstappen remains laser-focused on delivering one final victory for Red Bull in 2024. His dominant performance in Qatar reminded everyone of the Dutchman’s ability to extract brilliance when it matters most.
“It would be great to finish the season on a high and try and bring home the win here,” Verstappen said, setting the stage for what promises to be an electrifying showdown under the lights of Yas Marina.
The Perfect Storm Brewing in Abu Dhabi
Though Verstappen enters as the favorite, the competition is fiercer than ever. McLaren’s Lando Norris and Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc have consistently proven their mettle, setting up a potential three-way fight for glory in the desert. With Verstappen hungry for his tenth victory, and Ferrari and McLaren desperate to end their seasons on a high, the Abu Dhabi GP promises to be more than just a curtain call—it’s a battle for pride, momentum, and a psychological edge heading into 2025.
As Verstappen readies for one last dance in 2024, Yas Marina is poised to remind the world why this venue has been the backdrop for some of Formula 1’s most unforgettable moments.
