Perez and Ferraris Charles Leclerc started the Abu Dhabi GP level on points in the fight for the runner-up spot in the F1 drivers’ world championship, knowing whoever finished ahead would take second place behind title-winner Max Verstappen.
As the race unfolded, Perez was hunting down Leclerc having committed to a two-stop strategy with his rival holding track position ahead of him in second place on a one-stop plan.
