‘Emotional’ Hamilton praises his Mercedes

Lewis Hamilton completed one half of his vow to end his championship-winning campaign in style as he put his Mercedes on pole position for the season-closing Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Hamilton, who secured his fifth title with two rounds to spare in Mexico last month, will be joined on the front row by Valtteri Bottas, with Sebastian Vettel and Kimi Raikkonen third and fourth for Ferrari.

‘It was quite an emotional qualifying session, because it is the last time I will qualify in this car,’ said Hamilton (above), 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 this year. 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. The last sector was a killer, and that is where I made the difference.’