The car is the star for Hamilton

LEWIS HAMILTON revealed his love affair with his car as he kissed goodbye to it in Abu Dhabi.

The Brit, who sealed his fifth world crown in Mexico last month with two races to spare, blew the competition away once again as he grabbed the 83rd pole position of his career and his 11th this season.

He will be joined on the front row by Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas, with Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen third and fourth for Ferrari.

Under the lights of the Yas Marina circuit, Hamilton danced his way to the top of the time sheets, finishing 0.162 seconds clear of Bottas, and a third of a second faster than Vettel.

“It was quite an emotional qualifying session, because it is the last time I will qualify in this car,” said Hamilton, who kissed and massaged his car in gratitude. “I am closest to this car than I have been to any other.

“It has not always been easy, but it has been a real privilege. To go out there and express yourself, and push the car the way you want, there is no better feeling.

“The first lap wasn’t spectacular, but that last one started off calm, and then I got more and more aggressive. The last sector was a killer, and that is where I made the difference. I’m so grateful for all the support we’ve had. It’s so emotional because it’s the last lap I’ll do in this car.

“I’m so grateful for the mechanics who put this together for me. To just go all out and put a performance like that is a special feeling. I’m just happy that this car will be in the museum at Mercedes in Germany, so I can go visit whenever I can.”