Expectations were high, particularly among Red Bull fans, for the Mercedes team in Abu Dhabi. George Russell, with his fourth starting position, was right behind the three title rivals in a key position for the championship’s climax. The Briton ultimately played no significant role, but hopes that will change next season: ‘Hopefully, we can both fight for the crown next year.’
George Russell drove for a long time in no man’s land during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix before crossing the finish line in fifth place. The Mercedes driver thus played no role in the title fight at the front, although he – along with teammate Andrea Kimi Antonelli – ensured that Mercedes finished behind McLaren in the constructors’ championship.
“That was a very tough race for us tonight,” Russell concludes in Abu Dhabi. “We struggled to find the pace to threaten the leaders throughout the Grand Prix. I had a bad start and dropped back to P6; I overtook Fernando Alonso and took P5, but from that moment on, it was a lonely evening.” Despite the disappointing race, the Brit is pleased with the second place in the constructors’ championship for his team: “It’s been four challenging years in this ground effect car era.”
Russell Challenges Norris
Finally, Russell also reflects on Lando Norris‘s world title, the driver with whom he debuted in Formula 1 in 2019. “We’ve raced together for so long and he deserves this title more than anyone else. Hopefully, we can fight on the track for the 2026 title next year!”
