Russell fastest as Verstappen struggles during final practice of F1 season
On Saturday, George Russell set the fastest time for Mercedes in final practice for the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, while triple champion Max Verstappen complained about the handling of his Red Bull.
Sunday is Mercedes' last chance to avoid a winless season for the first time since 2011, and the former champions are battling Ferrari for second overall, with the Italians only four points behind.
Russell, who was also the fastest in Friday's first practice and remains his team's most recent winner after winning in Brazil a year ago, lapped the Yas Marina circuit in one minute 24.418 seconds.
Lando Norris of McLaren was second fastest, 0.095 seconds slower, with Oscar Piastri of Australia third and Alex Albon of Williams fourth.
Verstappen finished sixth, 0.735 seconds slower than Russell in a car that he claimed was sliding a lot.
"The car is again bottoming, jumping," the Dutch driver said over the team radio. "I don't know what is going on."
On Friday, he compared the car to a kangaroo, hinting that he might not have his way in the finale.
Verstappen is aiming for a record-extending 19th victory of the season, with Red Bull hoping to finish the year with 21 victories in 22 races.
Ferrari's Charles Leclerc was fifth fastest after being fastest in Friday's crash-interrupted second session, with teammate Carlos Sainz last after crashing heavily on Friday and spending most of the final session on medium tyres.
Lewis Hamilton, Russell's seven-time world champion teammate, was 12th fastest, with Red Bull's Sergio Perez 11th.
McLaren is also battling Aston Martin for fourth place overall, with only 11 points separating the two and millions of dollars on the line.
McLaren boss Zak Brown told Sky Sports television, "We're definitely competitive."
"Mercedes looks really good. Russell I think has more to come. You don't know what Red Bull was doing, I find it hard to believe they won't be right up there when it counts."
SportsLigue