F1 CHAMPION MAX VERSTAPPEN'S RECORD-EXTENDING 19TH WIN UNDERLINES HIS RELENTLESS DRIVE

To round off a remarkable season, he also passed the landmark of 1,000 laps led in a season. "I knew it was on the cards going into the race," said Verstappen, who moved onto 54 wins overall and into third on the alltime list. Verstappen finished...

Although Max Verstappen clinched his third straight Formula One title almost two months ago at the Qatar GP there was never any chance of him easing up. He's won every race since and capped off an outstanding year with a record-extending 19th victory of the season at the Abu Dhabi GP.

"I think that is just something how I grew up, I just can't come into a race weekend not giving my all," Verstappen said. "I would just get annoyed with myself and then I know people around me get annoyed with me. My mindset didn't change after winning the championship. I come to the race weekends and always try to do the best I can, and winning is great. Why would I not want to win?"

To round off a remarkable season, he also passed the landmark of 1,000 laps led in a season. "I knew it was on the cards going into the race," said Verstappen, who moved onto 54 wins overall and into third on the all-time list. Verstappen finished ahead of Ferrari's Charles Leclerc and Mercedes driver George Russell in Abu Dhabi and also collected a bonus point for the fastest lap. The win moved him one ahead of former Red Bull great Sebastian Vettel, with only Michael Schumacher (91) and Lewis Hamilton (103) ahead of him.

"What an incredible year," Verstappen said after crossing the line. "It was a bit emotional on the in-lap." Red Bull won 21 of 22 races this season, with Sergio Perez claiming two wins.