Checo Pérez, for the runner-up in Abu Dhabi

With the world title already defined for Max Verstappen, the battle that will steal the spotlight at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be for second place, the same as Sergio Pérez and Charles Leclerc are looking for.

Both are tied on points and the objective is simple: be in a better position than the other to clinch the runner-up spot for the season. George Russell also has a chance of taking second place, however he needs to win with the fastest lap and for the two aforementioned drivers to retire from the race.

The race comes with a touch of controversy, as Brazil was not the best circuit for Red Bull, finishing in sixth and seventh place. The positions were not what attracted the most attention, not so Verstappen’s refusal for Checo to pass him, a direct order from the team that the Dutchman did not comply with.

The Mexican did not hide his annoyance, because finishing in sixth place would have left him as virtual runner-up in the drivers’ championship and thus run with less pressure on the Yas Marina circuit, however now he will have to fight the defense of Charles Leclerc in case of going out for behind him on the starting grid.

From the Austrian team they assured that the issue was fixed internally and Max indicated that he would help Pérez in the United Arab Emirates if necessary to achieve 1-2 in the 2022 season.

deportes@eleconomista.mx