Max Verstappen started the Abu Dhabi race from the second position and managed to keep it till the finish, despite he was losing it to Charles Leclerc during the distance. The driver also were complaining about brakes and tyres work, but in the end he overtook the rival and back P2. 

"On this track today Mercedes and Lewis were just a bit too quick but as a team we had a good strategy, good pit stops and the car was working really well so second place is a good result on this track. The pace was good and overall we were quite a bit faster than the other guys which is a nice feeling," – Verstappen explained.

With the 9th podium today Max Verstappen officially finished the season as a third winner. The driver also told about the key moment of the season for him, that was Austrian Grand Prix and the first victory with Honda.

"Of course I’m very happy to finish the season with a podium and to be third in the championship ahead of both Ferraris is also a good achievement," – Max said.

"Looking back my highlight of the season was Austria. To take the first victory for Honda in the V6 era was very emotional and as a team to win at our home track again in front of so many Dutch fans was a great feeling. It’s been a good season and the team never stopped pushing. Honda also made some great improvements so we can be very happy with our first season together."

Next year Max is ready for the title battle. And it seems the team is really can do it since their last races were very strong.  

"As a team we want to move forward next year and fight for the title. We need to push flat out to close the gap but looking at the last few races we have made a positive step. It’s a great ending and now we just want to focus ahead and be even more competitive in 2020," – the driver told.

Verstappen's teammate Alex Albon finished the race in P6. The team tried other options to undercut Sebastian Vettel, but due to issues with DRS it was impossible.

"The race didn’t turn out quite how we wanted but we will have a look at it. I know there’s some work to do and areas I have to improve but it’s my rookie year so that’s always going to be the case. I feel like the racing has been good, the pace still needs work, but that will come with experience," - Alex said. 

Next season Alex will continue performancing for Red Bull, and the driver is already waiting for it.  

"We’re testing next week so we’ll continue the hard work and come back stronger next year. It’s nice to spend the winter knowing where I’ll be racing next year so I can focus on the job in hand. I’m really enjoying working with the team so I can’t wait for 2020.”