Max Verstappen cruised to victory at the last race of the year, in Abu Dhabi.
The race, which took place at the Yas Marina track under lights, was interesting but not exciting as Verstappen made it all look too easy.
Was it a flash in the pan or do we go into the New Year with the Honda-powered Red Bull having closed on the so far supreme Mercedes team.
Teammate Alexander Albon, in the other Red Bull Honda, confirmed their pace by finishing in fourth place, just one and a half seconds behind Lewis Hamilton, who finished third.
Valtteri Bottas was two and a half seconds ahead of his teammate, but a full 16 seconds behind Verstappen.
I have a sneaking suspicion that Christian Horner, who has been in talks with Honda, just might have convinced them into continuing their supply of engines to the Red Bull team and that Honda are continuing with the development of their engine.
For Honda it was certainly a good way for them to end the season.
I hope that the above situation is the case and that Honda will continue with Red Bull through 2021 and into 2022 when there will be a significant number of rule changes which could make F1 racing much more exciting.
We really need Honda in the mix, in the best interests of the sport.
Lando Norris was in top form in his McLaren Renault and led his team mate Carlos Sainz by 15 seconds at the finish.
This was the best way that the young Cockney could finish the season before Sainz joins Ferrari for 2021.
Another eight seconds behind Sainz was Daniel Ricciardo in seventh place who also demonstrated his superiority over the other Renault of Esteban Ocon, before he also leaves to join Lando Norris at McLaren where they will both enjoy the power of Mercedes engines next year.
Pierre Gasly actually finished eighth ahead of Ocon and Lance Stroll was in the final points scoring place in tenth. Both Stroll and teammate Sergio Perez didn’t have the best of races, however the good news if it is true, is that Sergio will move over to Red Bull for next year.
My sad news is that I will no longer be writing the Track Torque column for the Herald next year, for operational reasons.
I have enjoyed writing for all of you for the last 20 years and want to thank you all for the interaction I have enjoyed with a lot of the readers.
I wish you all a wonderful festive season and a happy and healthy New Year.
May 2021 also bring us a great racing season with more competition than we have enjoyed this year.
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