Lewis Hamilton insists Max Verstappen deserves to start on pole in Abu Dhabi and he’s pleased he’ll be able to keep an eye on him in what will be a frantic start to the race.
Both drivers head into tomorrow’s final race decider level on points and it’s the Red Bull driver who starts on pole.
Hamilton finished three tenths slower than the Dutchman and will now need to overtake his rival if he is to win an eighth world championship.
Amid fears Verstappen could play dirty and take Hamilton out (meaning he’d win the title) the Mercedes driver joked by starting behind him he can see exactly what’s unfolding.
‘Max did a great lap today. We just couldn’t compete with that time at the end there,’ Hamilton said.
‘It was looking really strong through practice. We couldn’t answer to that lap, fantastic from him. I hope we can have a good race.
‘The last lap was nice and clean, I just couldn’t go any quicker. I couldn’t beat the time he did today, he fully deserved the pole.
‘We are still on the front row, different tyres. It is great I can see where he is.’
As for Verstappen, going in pursuit of a maiden world championship, he’s showing little signs of pressure so far.
‘It’s an amazing feeling, we definitely improved the car in quali,’ he said.
‘I’m incredibly happy with this. It’s what we wanted but it was not easy with Mercedes’ form. I’m looking forward to tomorrow, that’s the most important.
‘I felt good on both tyres. should be easier on the softs. Will try our very best and we’ll see where we end up.
‘I was very relaxed going into qualifying. I know my team will give me the best possible car.’
Sunday’s winner-takes-all race starts at 1pm GMT.
Qualifying top 10
1) Verstappen
2) Hamilton
3) Norris
4) Perez
5) Sainz
6) Bottas
7) Leclerc
8) Tsunoda
9) Ocon
10) Ricciardo
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