by H. Mayor – photo: f1.com | The Formula 1 season has said its goodbyes until next year. The Grand Prix in Abu Dhabi, with the World Championship already resolved, was a laid-back affair with no major issues where all drivers seemed to be taking a little rest to reflect on their season’s achievements. Valtteri Bottas climbed the podium for the third time, putting the icing on the cake to an excellent season by the side of champion Lewis Hamilton.

Most seats for next year are pretty much confirmed besides those of Williams (who yesterday honoured the great Felipe Massa in his retirement) which are still up in the air. All scuderias and drivers now embark into the postseason months which are as decisive as the World Championship itself. It is now that the technical improvements of the single-seaters, which will be key in deciding next year’s’ grid hierarchy, are undertaken. Each scuderia will continue fighting its own feud: Mercedes has to keep the hegemony, Ferrari will attempt to get closer and closer to the winner and of course McLaren, desperate to shine again…