QUALIFYING REPORT
L
ewis Hamilton signaled his intent with
a commanding performance during
qualifying for the Abu Dhabi Grand
Prix, where he out-qualified his Mercedes
teammate and title rival Nico Rosberg by
three tenths of a second and set himself up
in the best possible way for a vital victory.
The reigning F1 World Champion was
untouchable throughout the session, run in
the Abu Dhabi dusk, which started with him
drilling home the advantage, over his title
rival, in Q1 when he ended up a second
quicker than anyone else.
Hamilton was not always the fastest
through the first sector, but he owned the
second sector and was simply mega in the
final third of the lap, as he powered to his
fourth top spot in a row and the 61st pole
position start of his career.
He said afterwards, “It was strange
coming here this weekend as it was the
last practices and qualifying with this
car, it’s been incredible. It’s been such a
privilege driving this car.”
“I wouldn’t have had the 61 poles I
have now if it wasn’t for everyone at the
factory, so thanks to them. First sector, I
knew I had pace so I didn’t overcook into
Turn 1 and on the rest of the lap I had it
under control,” added Hamilton.
Rosberg chased his teammate
throughout the session and in the end was
relieved to start the race on the front row.
A podium finish was his goal on race day,
enough to claim his first world title. Thus it
was another case of job done for him on
the night.