But we are looking for opportunities. Lewis Hamilton scored his 88th F1 pole position during the 2019 Abu Dhabi qualifying session today. The last one in Brazil was another chaotic and brilliant race but, given the limits of the Yas Marina track in Abu Dhabi it's unlikely that this one will match up. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)Ferrari opted to run the soft tyre in Q2 but were slower than their rivals despite being on the quicker compound.
Of course, it's sad that Valtteri will start from the back of the grid, but I'm really excited to see how the race pans out for both our drivers. The Telegraph values your comments but kindly requests all posts are on topic, constructive and respectful. Read our community guidelines in full
Vettel starts on the softs. 30.11.2019. Sadly these were damaged in the collision with Bottas and on the older spec today, the Frenchman lacking the same pace and exiting in Q1. His fifth pole of the season, and first since Germany, was a brilliant effort. Sometimes it happens. Vettel was released first, with Leclerc just behind. Overall the pace of the car was as expected but, once again, the team did a good job to get the most out of the car and both drivers put in strong performances. Watch highlights of the final qualifying session of the season ahead of the 2019 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit We achieved P7 but a P6 grid start taking into account the Bottas penalty, so Iâm happy.
We are approaching the second dead rubber of the year. It has been a very stale championship from … Several drivers were getting an early taste of their new, 2019 teams on Tuesday, as this week’s two-day, post-race Pirelli tyre test commenced in Abu Dhabi. ""We were hopeful after Friday that there was some good pace in the car.
Yesterday was quite wobbly, so I had to really recompose myself last night and come back focused.
(Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images)ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - NOVEMBER 30: Carlos Sainz of Spain driving the (55) McLaren F1 Team MCL34 Renault on track during qualifying for the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit on November 30, 2019 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates. PC Capabilities. It will be tough, but we will see what happens and try to enjoy tomorrow.
We just want to end the season on a high note.ââWe didnât quite make it to Q3 tonight, but I think it was still a good effort by the team. However, the differences in tyre life across the compounds here means that lining up outside of the top 10 with a free tyre choice potentially provides some extra chances to battle the cars ahead.
Iâve generally been fairly comfortable with the car, which has been positive.âWe knew quali was going to be tough and our aim was to get into Q3 and we did that.
Weâll try to understand the reason for this tonight, but all in all itâs not bad because we start from 11th position tomorrow and have a free choice of tyres.
It was very gratifying to see, as qualifying unwrapped, that we were strong in each session and have been able to finish Qualifying for the year in the same vein that we started it - with a dominant first and second on the grid. Thatâs where we lacked the most in terms of our performance.âIt is the last race of the year, the last chance to get third place back in the championship, which will not be easy.
Maybe.
QUALIFYING HIGHLIGHTS: 2019 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix We have a busy night ahead trying to understand the causes for this and to turn our fortunes around in the race. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)Renault improved in final practice, with both drivers looking more comfortable in the R.S.19 than they did yesterday. PADDOCK PASS: All the reaction from the drivers after the Spanish Grand PrixSainz âproudâ to have taken fight to Racing Points as he maintains 100% home points recordVerstappen âhappyâ to split Mercedes drivers as he explains angry team radio messagesRisky strategy calls âpart of our DNAâ says Red Bull boss Horner'Everyone else found a big step' â Ricciardo on how P4 in practice turned into P13 in qualifyingPerez brands blue flag penalty âreally unfairâ after fifth place finish on F1 returnLeclerc and Vettel downhearted as Ferrari can only manage P9 and P11 on grid in SpainBottas left to rue poor start as he finishes third behind Verstappen in Spain© 2003-2020 Formula One World Championship Limited 18 minutes to go. I think we ended up being three tenths, and a second from Q2. 1.084s ahead of Albon with a 1.35.634. (Photo by Charles Coates/Getty Images)ABU DHABI, UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - NOVEMBER 30: Lewis Hamilton of Great Britain driving the (44) Mercedes AMG Petronas F1 Team Mercedes W10 on track during qualifying for the F1 Grand Prix of Abu Dhabi at Yas Marina Circuit on November 30, 2019 in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates.