Hamilton ends 'long slog' with pole in Abu Dhabi

Lewis Hamilton claimed his first pole position in four months with a scorching record lap at the Yas Marina circuit on Saturday as Mercedes dominated qualifying ahead Sunday's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The recently crowned champion delivered a late lap in one minute and 34.779 seconds to outpace team-mate Valtteri Bottas, who is set to start from the back of the grid after collecting penalties for taking new engines.

It was a stunning way for Hamilton to finish the 'qualifying season' and improved his career record total to 88 poles, five of them in Abu Dhabi.

It was his first pole since the German Grand Prix in July and his fifth of the year.

"It's been such a long slog to try and get this pole position," admitted Hamilton.

"Yesterday was quite wobbly so I had to regroup overnight and come back focussed."
"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 said: "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."