Crucial millions, a Red Bull record and more at stake in the last two GPs

The final two races of the 2023 Formula 1 season will take place with a back-to-back between Las Vegas and Abu Dhabi.

Even though Max Verstappen and Red Bull have sealed the Drivers' and Constructors' crown, there is still a number of other loose ends that need to be tied up before we head into the winter break.

RacingNews365 takes a look a number of things to keep an eye on over the next two weeks.

The fight for second

Sergio Perez is under increased pressure to deliver a historic one-two for Red Bull in the Drivers' Championship, by sealing second ahead of Lewis Hamilton.

Even though the team has scored six titles, during their dominant period with Sebastian Vettel they failed to finish second with Mark Webber.

The Mexican is on 258 points while Hamilton is third on 226 points, with the Briton needing to be within at least 25 points after Vegas to keep his chances alive.

Could we see a straight battle between these two at the final race of the season?

Ferrari vs Mercedes

The battle for second place among the Constructors' can also be decided between Ferrari and Mercedes.

The pair are currently separated by 20 points, with Mercedes leading on 382 versus Ferrari's 362. The Silver Arrows must ensure that the gap to Ferrari is increased to a minimum of 45 points before Abu Dhabi to seal their place.

Surprisingly only Ferrari has managed to achieve a victory out of the pair, with Mercedes seemingly conceding that it might be impossible in 2023 without a stroke of luck. To finish second in the Constructors' is perhaps the next best thing.

Millions up for grabs at the rear

The most intriguing battle is taking place at the rear of the field this season, with four teams within a shot of taking seventh in the Constructors' Championship.

Williams, AlphaTauri, Alfa Romeo, and Haas enter the final two races separated by 16 points, but much more is a stake when it comes to prize money.

AlphaTauri has managed to turn around its fortunes with a late surge, while Williams look like the most consistent team out of the four.

Sargeant's seat

There is only one seat remaining on the grid for 2024, as Williams has yet to commit to Logan Sargeant.

Team Principal James Vowles has given Sargeant the final races of 2023 to prove himself, with Las Vegas looking like one of the best opportunities to impress.

It will be good for F1 if an American driver is still on the grid, but he will no doubt need to bring some worth to the team after a tricky few races this year.

Vettel's win record

As it stands, Sebastian Vettel is third on the all-time F1 win list with 53 victories, behind Michael Schumacher (91) and Lewis Hamilton (103).

If Max Verstappen can conquer in Las Vegas he would be on par heading into Abu Dhabi, having recently surpassed the record set by Alan Prost at 52 wins.

Surely that would cement him as one of the all-time greats of F1, having taken his third titles in 2023.