Mercedes, Ferrari rev up for runner-up battle in finale

Max Verstappen and Red Bull can wrap up Formula 1's most one-sided season with a final record-extending flourish in Abu Dhabi this weekend as Mercedes and Ferrari battle to be best of the rest.

The 22nd round of the season — the equal longest until next year's 24 — ends at floodlit Yas Marina on Sunday after an American leg that culminated in a grueling Las Vegas spectacular last weekend.

There will be some farewells, although fewer than usual, and plenty of looking forward with hope to a more competitive future after a year in which Red Bull has won everywhere bar Singapore.