Aussie forced to quit finale

DANIEL Ricciardo’s Formula One season has finished the way it started – in frustration as engine problems prevented him from finishing a race.

Eight months after a wretched home grand prix, the Australian was forced to retire after 35 laps in Abu Dhabi when a suspected tyre puncture stalled his Red Bull before further problems were discovered.

Yesterday was his third non-finish in the last four races. Mercedes driver Valtteri Bottas beat Lewis Hamilton, with Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel third.