This archive report was first published on 30 November 2019.
On a hot day in Abu Dhabi, Lewis Hamilton delivered a stunning record lap to claim his first pole position in four months at the Yas Marina circuit, ahead of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Hamilton's lap in one minute and 34.779 seconds outpaced his Mercedes teammate Valterri Bottas, who will start from the back of the grid after collecting penalties for taking new engines.
It was a remarkable way for Hamilton to finish the 'qualifying season' and improved his career record total to 88 poles, five of them in Abu Dhabi, the 21st and final race of the year.
Hamilton's achievement marked his first pole since the German Grand Prix in July and his fifth of the year, leaving him more than 30 clear of his nearest rival Sebastian Vettel on 57.
"It's been such a long slog to try and get this pole position," Hamilton admitted. "Yesterday was quite wobbly so I had to regroup overnight and come back focussed."
Max Verstappen secured third place for Red Bull ahead of the two Ferraris of Charles Leclerc and Sebastian Vettel, with Alex Albon taking sixth in the second Red Bull.
Verstappen will start Sunday's season-closer alongside Hamilton on the front row.
"As a team it's been a really strong day," said Bottas. "We saw in qualifying that we had good pace and, as I'm going to start last, we'll take that fighting spirit forward tomorrow."
Verstappen expressed his optimism about the race, saying: "I think today was the best we could do. We all know Mercedes are dominant here, but I think there are a lot of chances in this race."
