F1 Abu Dhabi finale a “reality check” for Mercedes

Lewis Hamilton and Russell qualified fifth and sixth for the last round of the season, with Russell claiming fifth in the race after his team-mate’s late retirement.

Russell’s day was made harder after he lost out to Lando Norris on the first lap, and was initially stuck behind the McLaren driver.

He also lost time with a five-second penalty for an unsafe release, which he took at his second stop, after which he set a series of fastest laps.

“I think it’s a bit of…