Verstappen deserves pole position in the title race, says Hamilton
Seven-times champion Lewis Hamilton, from Mercedes, said Max Verstappen, from Red Bull, deserved pole position for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the last of the season and decisive in the fight for the title, after the Dutchman's show in qualifying training. Saturday (11).
The 24-year-old Dutchman looked slower than Hamilton in Abu Dhabi, with the Briton having led the last free practice session early on Saturday.
But, with the help of teammate Sergio Pérez, Mexican Sergio Pérez, Verstappen became the fastest in qualifying and secured first place on the starting grid.
"He totally deserved pole position," said Hamilton, who will start second alongside his rival.
"We just couldn't compete with that time at the end," added the Brit, who was half a second behind Verstappen after the opening laps, but reduced that deficit to a still considerable 0.371 second at the end.
Verstappen and Hamilton go into this Sunday's race (12) tied on points, but the Dutchman has a nine to eight advantage in the number of victories and will be champion if Hamilton doesn't score points.
Red Bull appears to have an advantage over Mercedes in long-term simulations, with the Yas Marina track being notoriously difficult to pass.
But Hamilton, starting with the more durable medium tires, believes he could be in a stronger position strategically, with Verstappen forced to start with the fragile soft tires after locking the wheels and flattening his medium tire package.
"I think we are in a good position with our tires for tomorrow," said the 36-year-old. "And I hope we can have a good race."
He couldn't resist poking at Verstappen, whose uncompromising defense of the lead was penalized in the final race in Saudi Arabia, where the pair collided for the third time this season.
"I'm grateful to see where he is," Hamilton said with a laugh. "And then we can go from there."
Text translated using artificial intelligence.
