The Dutchman smiled on the top step but his features betrayed a sense that he was aware it may never be better than this.
His win at the Yas Marina circuit was indicative of the absolute authority with which he has dominated this season. By the flag he had more than 17 seconds on Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, who was second.
Leclerc gave a valiant drive but, with George Russell in third, one that was not enough to prevent Mercedes beating the Scuderia to second in the constructors' championship.
Verstappen, of course, was not involved in such petty squabbling after a season of such success and almost flawless execution. He was untouchable from pole to flag, the margins such that he might have got out, had a cup of coffee, a go on the Space Invaders machine and still had time to spare. The 26-year-old already had his third world championship sealed in Qatar. Abu Dhabi was but the most emphatic full stop as he and his Red Bull team completed what stands as the most dominant season in F1 history.
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة November 27, 2023 من The Guardian.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك ? تسجيل الدخول
هذه القصة مأخوذة من طبعة November 27, 2023 من The Guardian.
ابدأ النسخة التجريبية المجانية من Magzter GOLD لمدة 7 أيام للوصول إلى آلاف القصص المتميزة المنسقة وأكثر من 9,000 مجلة وصحيفة.
بالفعل مشترك? تسجيل الدخول
Pension funds Can chancellor win investment boost with 'megafund'?
What is Rachel Reeves planning?
'I'd pay to play the Ryder Cup': McIlroy's barb at US fee plan
Rory McIlroy says he would pay to play in the Ryder Cup after it emerged that US team members could receive $400,000 each for competing against Europe in New York next year.
Borthwick denies feeling pressure to end losing streak
Steve Borthwick has insisted he is well equipped to block out the pressure of England's current plight after Rassie Erasmus suggested he is under the pump and may feel like he \"has a gun against his head\".
St Pauli quit X and hit out at 'hate machine'
St Pauli have become the first major football club to leave X, describing the social media site as a \"hate machine\", and expressing concern that it may influence the outcome of the forthcoming German election.
Scotland must revamp youth development to keep up, says Clarke
Head coach believes change must come from top as he prepares to face Croatia
Carsley relief as new-look England seize control of their destiny
It was the night when Lee Carsley dropped Harry Kane and came up smelling of roses, this a result not only to avenge the shapeless 2-1 Wembley defeat against Greece in October but to put England on the brink of automatic promotion back into the Nations League's A section.
'I like these challenges, I like being in constant change'
Mayra Ramírez has been on a steep learning curve since moving to Chelsea from Spain in January but would not have it any other way, she tells Suzanne Wrack
Thousands back fight for girls' toilets at local clubs
A coach has sparked a grassroots movement to improve inclusivity in football: by demanding that toilets are opened for girls.
Tyson happy for money to talk amid mayhem
Despite all the hype, veteran knows there is nothing new to say before the charade of his fight with a YouTube star
Raducanu in discussions to hire renowned fitness trainer Nakamura
Former US Open champion has struggled with series of injuries throughout career
