This was the beginning of F1 Abu Dhabi GP: sparks fly between Verstappen and Leclerc

Yes, Max Verstappen has the best car on the grid so everything will be easier. However, putting the obvious aside, it is important to stress that resting on that single, purely superficial conclusion is unfair to the three-time F1 champion, or any driver. He has the best car, but Max has been very strong this season. He is rarely wrong. No matter what the situation, no matter what happens, Max always calls when it has to be done – when the handle is most on fire. He did it again in Saturday’s crucial qualifying session, taking pole position. And at the start of the F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, he achieved success again.

The Dutch driver is at a very high level and it showed in the first few meters. He had to do well to avoid Charles Leclerc’s attack. He did it perfectly and passed Turn 1 on top. He had to protect himself from a slipstream on the first straight heading into Turn 6. So Charles took advantage of the car’s high top speed on the straight and put the nose inside. But Max on the outside showed a masterclass in defense, realizing he could secure the inside of Turn 7 if he drove there. And with better traction, he defended first place.

But that wasn’t the end. Charles tried again at the first corner of the second lap. However, with improved traction, Max regained strength on the outside and accelerated early to maintain first place.

Leclerc was able to stay close and use DRS on the next turn, but Max began to pull and did not let the Monaco close enough. Charles stayed within DRS distance for a few laps, but he was not able to test his attack on Max, who had already done the most difficult thing. From there, the strategic battle and tire degradation began.