A long and largely monotonous Formula 1 season comes to a conclusion with this weekend's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, and Max Verstappen is a hot favourite to earn an unprecedented 19th win of the campaign.
Most of the teams will be looking forward to the chance to throw themselves into fully focusing on next year's car without the distraction of having to jet off every week or so, but several drivers will be grateful of the opportunity to end the season on a high.
- Charles Leclerc podium finish
- Alex Albon points finish
- Daniel Ricciardo points finish
Ferrari Finishing With A Flourish
It has been a frustrating season for Charles Leclerc, who has claimed five pole positions but no wins.
In fact the Ferrari ace has failed to convert any of his last 12 poles into a race victory, which is a Formula 1 record, but he came pretty close in Las Vegas last time.
A safety car shortly after Leclerc had made his pitstop meant the Red Bulls of Sergio Perez and Verstappen were able to lose a lot less time changing their tyres. That allowed them to attack longtime leader Leclerc for far more laps than they would otherwise have been able to.
The Monegasque driver put up a great fight though, snatching back second place from Perez on the last lap, and he should be encouraged by that performance.
Leclerc has claimed three pole positions and a front-row start from the last four races, and the Ferrari should again be well suited by the layout of the Yas Marina circuit.
Slow corners and long straights are a combination that brings out the best in the car, and Leclerc should get another chance to take it to the Red Bulls in the race with another strong qualifying effort.
Ferrari are just four points behind Mercedes for second place in the constructors' championship, so there is added incentive for the Scuderia.
Leclerc to finish the season strong
Albon Can Add More Points
The Williams team have long since given up on this year's car as a work project, instead concentrating on getting a head start with next year's machine, but they remain competitive.
Alex Albon and Logan Sargeant lined up fifth and sixth on the grid in Las Vegas, and although it was a pointless race for them, their pace wasn't as bad as it seemed.
Albon had been running ninth with ten laps to go, but made a mistake and trailed home 12th. He does have four top-tens from the previous six races he finished though, and is worth a punt at a track that should suit the car.
Ricciardo to roll back the years
Ricciardo To Roll Back The Years
Circuits with long straights and sharp corners don't expose weaknesses in a car's aerodynamics, and another machine that has performed well on such tracks is the AlphaTauri.
Daniel Ricciardo qualified a brilliant fourth in Mexico before finishing a fine seventh, and only scruffy driving prevented his team-mate Yuki Tsunoda from joining him in the top ten.
The Australian veteran is an eight-time grand prix winner, and while his best days seem to be behind him, a points finish could be within his compass in Abu Dhabi.
DANIEL RICCIARDO POINTS FINISH
