Seb’s final race. Yes, truly is. Also the last for Danny Ric and Mick, regardless of what some of us in the polarised world of F1 journalism have come to think of them.
There’s a chance that no longer shall Formula 1 be punctuated by that infectious smile. There’s also a chance that Schumacher, not just the great Michael’s son, but a talent of his own, might not return to the grid anytime soon.
And could there’ve been a venue more interesting other than Abu Dhabi as the season’s final race?
A season where the Flying Dutchman Max Verstappen, has once again dominated with an iron fist; though not before finding his team amid rancid headlines.
In a world where it’s still possible for one to dominate whilst respecting rules- here are Red Bull and their incredibly successful team boss- who did say in lines with the ‘cheating allegations,’ that probably “we” are due for an apology.
But again, no mention of Abu Dhabi can be rendered complete without mentioning the sport’s most statistically successful driver: Sir Lewis Hamilton, a legend like no other.
The 2022 race may likely remind many of us of its controversial predecessor; the unarguably action-packed and dramatic season finale.
And while Verstappen can’t be blamed for taking first title last year for guess what, he didn’t bribe Michael Masi, the Australian perhaps rightly out of F1, one would still hope for a controversy free, healthy and exciting year-ender.
With that hope, here’s what could make the 58-lap bound night race brilliant. Max, the ace of pace starts on pole whilst his brilliant teammate, one justifiably irate, Sergio Perez begins second.
Meanwhile, Leclerc, whose burst of pace in the dying moments of Q3 starts third just ahead of Carlos Sainz, the more consistency of the Ferrari drivers begins fourth.
That said, Mercedes powerhouse Hamilton, who we quite often forget is a five time winner at Abu Dhabi, begins fifth on the grid. Can the 2020 World champion steer ahead and rise to the top?
Imagine 2022’s final race belonging to the man who left the stage last year absolutely gutted on the top step of the podium?
In an age where vitriol is as common as the tag of greatness being bandaged to just about anyone, Hamilton winning the race would be akin to a great neutraliser. Would it not?
In a year where the master of modern day Grand Prix racing, one who’s beaten them all – fair and square – has failed to pick a single win, can the electrifying Yas Marina shine bright on the legend?
If so, what might Red Bull’s thoughts be?
Four time world champion Vettel, someone who’s actually used his status for giving voice to causes that go off the grid but inspire those who so often only live for themselves on it, begins ninth.
It’s only interesting and exciting that the legendary German starts ahead of an iconic Spaniard Fernando Alonso, the Alpine driver beginning from tenth.
With young guns Tsunoda and Mick beginning eleventh and twelfth, Ricciardo, a eight-time Grand Prix winner and someone with 32 podiums and countless smiles and god knows how many shoey’s against his name starts 13.
If thirteen is an unlucky number, then it’s probably only fair that Daniel tries and vaults forward to enter points and prove that much like the bias attributed to his race craft, of late, thirteen isn’t the mark of one’s talent.
All of that said, Ferrari, do have a chance of playing spoilsports in that at a time where Red Bull versus Mercedes would likely form the headlines and fuel the social media drama, Leclerc and Sainz have a chance of stealing something that we feel might not really be theirs.
Moreover, one doesn’t even remember when Ferrari won at Abu Dhabi last, isn’t it?
With that as prime motivation in a year where the celebrated giant has, as per normal, binned many chances of winning, can a win be found?
It’s lights out and away we go, as Crofty says. But that said, what will Mr. Ted say “if” Max takes it again?
All one can say is, let’s go Donuts about the ones Vettel, Daniel and maybe even Mick will display and not nuts about what’s happened in the past – right!