Smaller stakes in F1's return to Abu Dhabi, drama remains

Aston Martin driver Sebastian Vettel, of Germany, arrives at the paddock of the Formula One Mexico Grand Prix at the Hermanos Rodriguez racetrack in Mexico City, Friday, Oct. 28, 2022. (AP Photo/Fernando Llano)

Red Bull driver Max Verstappen, of the Netherlands, stands with his team's crew prior to a free practice ahead of the Brazil Formula One Grand Prix at Interlagos race track in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Friday, Nov. 11, 2022. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)

Aston Martin driver Sebastian Vettel, of Germany, left, Williams drivers Nicholas Latifi, of Canada, second left, McLaren driver Daniel Ricciardo, of Australia, third left, AlphaTauri driver Yuki Tsunoda, of Japan, fourth left, and Mercedes driver George Russell, of Britain, attend a news conference during the Formula One Mexico Grand Prix auto race at the Hermanos Rodriguez racetrack in Mexico City, Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo)

Red Bull driver Sergio Perez, of Mexico, arrives to the Interlagos racetrack for the Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Sunday, Nov.13, 2022. (AP Photo/Marcelo Chello)

Race winner Mercedes driver George Russell, of Britain, right, and second place finisher Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton, celebrate with their team after the Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix at the Interlagos race track in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Sunday, Nov.13, 2022. (AP Photo/Marcelo Chello)

McLaren driver Daniel Ricciardo, of Australia, smiles during a news conference at the Formula One Mexico Grand Prix, at the Hermanos Rodriguez racetrack in Mexico City, Thursday, Oct. 27, 2022. (AP Photo/Moises Castillo)

Mercedes driver George Russell, of Britain, takes a selfie with the crowd in the background after winning the Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix at the Interlagos race track in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Sunday, Nov.13, 2022. (AP Photo/Marcelo Chello)

Mercedes driver Lewis Hamilton, of Britain, left, and Mercedes driver George Russell, of Britain, greet fans at the podium during the Brazilian Formula One Grand Prix at the Interlagos race track in Sao Paulo, Brazil, Sunday, Nov.13, 2022. (AP Photo/Andre Penner)