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Formula 1 2018: Lewis Hamilton fastest in final practice for Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

The Mercedes star, who is bidding to end his title-winning campaign with his 11th victory of the year, finished 0.288 seconds clear of Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen 

Saturday 24 November 2018 13:18 GMT
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Hamilton and Mercedes team celebrate fifth world title

World champion Lewis Hamilton posted the fastest time in final practice for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The Mercedes star, who is bidding to end his title-winning campaign with his 11th victory of the year, finished 0.288 seconds clear of Ferrari's Kimi Raikkonen at the Yas Marina circuit, with Sebastian Vettel third.

Max Verstappen finished fourth quickest, ahead of Valtteri Bottas, with Daniel Ricciardo sixth in the order.

Ricciardo is taking part in his 100th and final race for Red Bull ahead of his switch to Renault next year, but there was an all-too familiar feel to the end of his one-hour running after the Australian was forced to park his car.

Ricciardo's year has been plagued by mechanical issues - indeed, he has suffered more retirements this season (eight) than Hamilton has endured in the last five years - and an apparent water leak contributed to further bad luck for him here.

Fernando Alonso, bowing out of the sport after 17 seasons, finished 16th for McLaren, while Haas driver Romain Grosjean and the Toro Rosso of Pierre Gasly were involved in a clumsy collision at Turn 17 in the closing minutes of the running.

The pair banged sidepods under braking for the right-hander, with Gasly gesticulating at his fellow Frenchman. The incident is under investigation by the stewards.

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