Hamilton, happy poleman: “It’s been a while”

Lewis Hamilton Although he signed his 88th career pole position, an absolute record further improved, there was no trace of weariness on the face of the six-time world champion when he got out of the car. Slightly behind during Friday free practice, especially compared to his teammate Valtteri Bottas, the Briton, as is often the case, was able to respond when it was necessary to go to coal. 

« We've been chasing this pole position for a while, confided Hamilton. We just kept our heads on the handlebars and kept working. Our competitors have done a great job in this exercise since the summer. We tried to stay focused on our work. 

Friday was a little hectic. We had to calm down and regain our senses last night to come back stronger today. The mechanics, the engineers, everyone continues to do a fantastic job ».  

Hamilton's first flying lap in Q3 would have been more than enough to set the best time, but Hamilton hit the nail on the head after his final attempt. Just to remind you who the boss is, he who had “only” 4 poles this year before the Yas Marina meeting. That's one less than Bottas. The last one was at Hockenheim at the end of July, an eternity for a thoroughbred like Hamilton. 

« We never give up, that’s our mentality, he added. We learned and grew a lot this season again, including in the last races. We are always looking for those micro-gains that make the difference. It has to be because Valtteri 2.0 has been fast all year and this weekend. 

It's great to end the season in a pole position, especially when it has eluded you for a while. It’s a special car and it was the last time I could push it to its limits in qualifying. I'm glad I put it to good use ». 

Hamilton will now be keen to complete another victorious campaign with fanfare as he did 12 months earlier in Abu Dhabi. By his side on the grid, the silver pole sitter will find the Red Bull de Max Verstappen, two weeks after a great duel between the two men in Brazil. So repeat Sunday?

« We are in a better position this weekend, Hamilton replied. But Max drives extremely well and I can't wait to race against him tomorrow ». 

That’s all we want!