Verstappen revels in record win but warns of difficulties ahead

ABU DHABI - Max Verstappen may have dominated Sunday's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and the 2022 season, but he was quick to warn his Red Bull team not to expect another year of runaway success in 2023.

In the chaotic aftermath of a strategic race, in which tyre management and tactical decisions were decisive factors, the two-time champion made clear he did not expect to equal his own record-breaking feats.

"It has been really enjoyable to work with the whole team to achieve something like this, this year," he said. "I know it is going to be difficult to replicate, but it also gives us some motivation to try and do well again."

Not only did Verstappen reel off an unprecedented 15 wins in a single season, but he did so with masterful authority as Red Bull won 17 races to clinch their first constructors' title since 2013.

Mercedes' record run of eight constructors’ championship triumphs was ended and, after a disappointing year of only one victory, they finished third behind an inconsistent and undisciplined Ferrari.

The 'scarlet scuderia' took consolation in Charles Leclerc's clever drive, which included a 'dummy' pit-stop call from his team, to finish second, only eight seconds adrift of his Dutch rival and nemesis, to clinch second place in the drivers' and constructors' championships for himself and Ferrari respectively.

After two disappointing years in the doldrums, Ferrari scored four wins on their way to second and, if the operational frailties are repaired, appear to have the potential to trouble Verstappen.

"I do think it will be a lot closer," admitted Verstappen. "People are understanding the cars a lot more and over time the teams will edge closer.

"We know that we have to keep pushing over the winter and trying to find performance and more understanding."

His Red Bull team boss Christian Horner said he expected Mercedes, who showed signs of revival in the second half of the season, to return as a competitive force.

"We don't under-estimate them," he said. "They will be back as a real force and a threat."