Verstappen 'emotional' as he says goodbye to the record-breaking RB19
For Max Verstappen, the season ends with yet another win to his name, taking his fourth win in a row at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, finishing what has been a record-breaking season for him and his Red Bull team.
Verstappen victorious for the 19th time in 2023
Around the Yas Marina Circuit, Verstappen took his 19th win in his most dominant season, which gave him his third world title. Behind him was Charles Leclerc in P2 and George Russell in P3.
Speaking to David Coulthard after the race, Verstappen said, "It's been an incredible season! I was a bit emotional on the in-lap, the last time in the RB19. I'm proud to win the last race, thanks to everyone at Red Bull.
Verstappen finishes this 2023 Formula 1 season on 575 points, breaking many records along the way, and now, around the Yas Marina Circuit, the Dutchman was able to lead for over 1,000 laps in 2023.
"It'll be hard to do something similar again," continued Verstappen, who realised how special this season has been.
"It will be hard to have another season like that. You always want to do better, but sometimes that's not always race wins. We are working hard for next year to have another competitive car. The other teams want to beat us and are ready for the battle. But we want to enjoy this year as well."