Martin Brundle now hails £121k-a-week driver who ‘finished the season in style’

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Martin Brundle has hailed the impact that Mercedes driver George Russell made at the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi.

Brundle was reflecting on the race at the Yas Marina Circuit and highlighted the Brit’s brilliant performance.

There was one huge battle in Abu Dhabi last weekend with both championships already wrapped up.

Max Verstappen and Red Bull crowned their incredible season with another victory, the Dutchman standing on the top step of the podium for the 19^th time.

However, Ferrari and Mercedes were split by just four points heading into the race in the battle for second place.

Lewis Hamilton and Carlos Sainz struggled in qualifying, leaving Charles Leclerc and George Russell to battle it out for the big points totals.

The Ferrari driver nearly dived down the inside of Verstappen at turn one and if he had it might have been a very different race.

However, Martin Brundle was impressed with how George Russell managed his race in Abu Dhabi.

He needed to stay within five seconds of Sergio Perez to secure an all-important podium and even when Charles Leclerc let him pass on the final lap, it wasn’t enough.

Brundle impressed with Russell in Abu Dhabi

Speaking about the £121,000-a-week driver, Brundle said: “George Russell saved the day for Mercedes with a fine third place and podium even if he finished fourth on the road.

“George had been strong throughout and finished the season in style.

“[Sergio] Perez was charging through with eight-lap fresher tyres but also carrying that five-second penalty.

“George was never going to keep him behind but likely able stay within five seconds with just a handful of laps to go. He finished 3.9 seconds behind Perez and so regained the podium.”

Russell hasn’t had the easiest season, finishing more than 50 points behind teammate Lewis Hamilton.

Brundle admired Russell’s perseverance in Abu Dhabi and was undoubtedly very quick last weekend.

However, he admitted to being ‘pretty miserable’ during the race due to illness which makes his drive even more impressive.

He’ll be desperate to improve his record of two podiums going into 2024.