Victoria Desai Wins in Abu Dhabi, Takes Championship Lead Ahead of Finale

Qualifying:

Report:

Unfortunately, technical issues ruined what was a great battle between Pastor Maldonado and Victoria Desai.
Some wondered whether Sebastian Vettel’s poor race at Mugello shifted momentum in Victoria Desai’s favour. However, to prove this true, she would need to make an impact at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Without a good race in Abu Dhabi, it would all be lost.

A horrible start saw her drop a few places, but after that the overtake party began. Nobody could stop her except for one man: Pastor Maldonado. The Williams driver demonstrated all of his veteran experience to keep her behind.

A technical issue forced Maldonado into a pitstop, leaving the American-Indian driver to take her third win of the season and the championship lead despite Sebastian Vettel having a great race, nearly finishing third yet again.

With no retirements among the top teams, only few places were available for the bottom half of the grid despite Max Verstappen’s best efforts. Valtteri Bottas took advantage returned to the points after four retirements with a ninth place.

Race:

Fastest Lap:

Pastor Maldonado – 1:48.215

Infinite Improbability Drive Of The Race:

Reliability – only two cars not classified is the best number of 2022.

Reject Of The Race:

Sauber-Judd – the C41 is the worst car ever produced by the team and this race demonstrated that perfectly.