Verstappen defeats Hamilton in qualifying in Abu Dhabi

Thanks to a very good team strategy, Max Verstappen got rid of Lewis Hamilton during qualifying for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this Saturday. The Batavian posted an incredible 1'22″109 which left his English rival, 2nd on the timesheet by almost 4 tenths, no chance, to sign the 13th pole position of his career.

Successively beaten by Lewis Hamilton during FP2 and FP3, Max Verstappen had reason to be pessimistic before qualifying in Abu Dhabi. However, the Dutchman showed character to overcome the Silver Arrows and especially the Englishman.

Fastest man in Q2 after being forced to switch to a set of soft tires due to a blockage with the mediums, thus shifting his strategy for the start this Sunday, Max Verstappen struck a big blow during Q3. Well helped by Sergio Pérez who aborted his first attempt to give him the slipstream, the championship leader initially signed a 1'22″109 which allowed him to take more than half a second ahead of his British rival!

Verstappen who sticks half a second to Hamilton thanks to the aspiration of Perez !! #TeamWork 🔥🔥🔥#AbuDhabiGP ▶ https://t.co/7plkVVV12v pic.twitter.com/E4Vf3gEUZY

— CANAL+ F1® (@CanalplusF1) December 11, 2021

Hit but not sunk, the Silver Arrows decided to return to the track first, leaving the field open to Lewis Hamilton, preferring to ride alone in front rather than taking advantage of his teammate's slipstream. Valtteri Bottas. A profitable choice but nevertheless insufficient for the reigning world champion. Although improving, his last lap in 1'22"480 allowed him to secure 2nd place on the grid but not to beat Max Verstappen who immediately eased off. In the end, 371 thousandths separated the two strong men in the championship. An excellent result for the Austrian team, especially since Valtteri Bottas only set the 6th fastest time at the finish, putting him out of reach for the start.

The perfect strategy for Red Bull ! 💥

Verstappen retains pole ahead of Hamilton, and Norris et Sainz come between Perez and Bottas!

Nothing is done! 🤯#AbuDhabiGP ▶ https://t.co/7plkVVV12v pic.twitter.com/ZOdkv4rIhr

— CANAL+ F1® (@CanalplusF1) December 11, 2021

• Norris back in business

In tough conditions for several Grands Prix with mixed results, Lando Norris rectified the situation this Saturday. Expected in Q3 but not necessarily at the front, the driver McLaren took everyone by surprise at the end of the session. Seventh after his first flying lap, the young Englishman managed to make a very good last attempt to grab the last available place in the Top 3.

On the line, Lando Norris was able to beat Sergio Pérez and his former McLaren teammate, Carlos Sainz, giving himself the opportunity to end 2021 in style after a recent difficult spell. Behind, Charles Leclerc, Yuki tsunoda, Esteban Ocon et Daniel Ricciardo completed the Top 10 of these qualifications.

• gasly et Alonso at the gates of Q3

With incredible consistency in qualifying this season, Pierre Gasly was unable to secure his ticket for Q3. Yet comfortable during the three free practice sessions, the Norman failed during his final attempt in Q2. Starting again on medium tires, the driver Alpha Tauri was able to improve his mark but only went from 15th to 12th place, synonymous with elimination in the second part of qualifying.

Trapped by traffic and in particular by Daniel Ricciardo in the last corner, Fernando Alonso saw his hopes of qualifying for Q3 go up in smoke by only 12 thousandths. On the line, the Iberian did not hesitate to express his anger towards the Australian by waving his arm in his cockpit. The representative ofAlpine will start 11th this Sunday unless a penalty is imposed on the McLaren driver. To be continued… Behind, Lance stroll, Antonio Giovinazzi and Sebastian Vettel respectively signed the 13th, 14th and 15th times.

At the back of the grid we find the regulars with Nicholas latifi 16th followed by George Russell, Kimi Räikkönen, Mick Schumacher et Nikita mazepin.

More information coming soon ...