Lewis Hamilton described an “emotional” qualifying session for Formula 1’s season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as he claimed pole position.
Hamilton, who wrapped up his fifth world title in Mexico, beat Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas beneath the lights to secure top spot for the final round of the campaign.
It marked Hamilton’s 11th pole position of the year, the 52nd time he has led qualifying in the century of events in the hybrid era, and the 83rd of his career.
“It was quite an emotional qualifying session for me because this is the last time I am going to be qualifying in this car,” he said.
“I’m probably the closest with this car than I have ever been with any cars in terms of emotionally attached.
“It has not been the easiest, it has been a struggle at times with her but it has been a real privilege to work with her this year. I am just so grateful for the team and everyone to put it together.
“Today was so much fun to be able to go out there and express myself and push the car the way you want. There is no better feeling.”
Hamilton’s initial benchmark left him atop the pile, even accounting for a small lock-up through Turn 8 and a wide moment in Turn 18.
His second Q3 push lap turned out to be another lap record, which was required in the wake of both Bottas and Ferrari’s Sebastian Vettel making gains.
“Honestly, I never say there is a perfect lap but the first lap wasn’t spectacular there was a couple of excursions and a bit of movement from the rear end,” he said.
“But that last one started calm and got more and more aggressive as it went through in the last sector.
“If you look back it was the last sector that was the killer for me. That’s where I really was able to make the different. I came out four-tenths up. That is not an easy thing to do from one lap to another so I am pretty grateful for that.
“Valtteri also did a great job and I know Seb was pushing really hard. It has been a real privilege working and racing against the drivers here.”
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