A THRILLER IN STORE AS MAX TAKES POLE
THE final grand prix of the Formula One season promises to be a thriller with less than one-tenth of a second separating the top three in qualifying around the demanding Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi.
The after-dark/twilight showdown was a nail-biter between Max Verstappen, Valtteri Bottas and world champion Lewis Hamilton, with Red Bull runner Verstappen snatching top spot in the dying seconds.
Hammy, who had monopolised the first two qualifying sessions, looked a dead cert when he hit the front with time fast running out. But he was dramatically overtaken by Bottas as the clock ticked towards the end of qualifying.
But there was a shock in store for both of the Mercedes drivers when Verstappen, who had been loitering among the also-rans, nabbed pole with a final fling – his first of the season.
His boss Chris Horner couldn’t believe his eyes and he roared: “That was a mega, mega lap. Unbelievable!”
The 23-year-old, a winner nine times, was modest in his assessment of his brilliance and said: “Everything came together for me on that final lap. The boys in the garage gave me a dream car.”
Bottas, who had been second in the previous qualifiers, said: “I couldn’t get 100 per cent out of my tyres – and my final lap was far from perfect.”
Hamilton, who has returned after missing a race through coronavirus, had looked a hot bet to front today’s action around the 3.45-mile circuit in pursuit of a sixth victory in
Abu Dhabi. But he was full of praise for Verstappen. He said: “I gave it my all but congratulations to Max. He was superb. And it is a great way for him to seal a year of marvellous performances.
“I am excited to be in action after my lay-off. I feel like I am back at school. And I just want to enjoy the race and finish the season on a real strong high. I don’t feel, though, that I have anything to prove. Nor does my team. And they have been fabulous.”
The 189.739-mile dash around 21 really testing corners, 12 left, nine right, and under 4,700 lights, brings back happy memories for Hammy. He was the first-ever pole-sitter at the circuit when it opened in 2009.
His Mercedes boss Toto Wolff said: “It has been a massively intense season and everybody has done their job with pride. As a well-deserved recognition we will be running with a different livery featuring everybody’s name on the cars to honour their huge commitment.
“They have all raised the bar in a tough season full of demands.
“This gesture is a fun vibe. I know Lewis will really appreciate this well-deserved recognition.”