Hamilton fears Red Bull: 'They don't develop their car and still on pole!'
- Ludo van Denderen
During the drivers' parade ahead of every Grand Prix, the drivers talk about how great the crowd is, what expectations they have for the race and how much they are looking forward to the upcoming race. Lewis Hamilton was also asked the question while enjoying the sunshine in Abu Dhabi.
"How excited are you to get out there," Hamilton was asked. His answer was: "I'm definitely excited to get the season over and done with, if I'm really honest. But last day is a new day. It's an opportunity to rise and to shine. So I think today is going to be a tough race from where we are. But I'm really, really focused on trying to get those points for the team."
'Mercedes has long way to go'
Mercedes hopes to take second place in the championship. "It is for everyone back at the factory, yes. After such a long year and a difficult two years. But I think everyone's worked so hard this year. I'm really proud of everybody. We wouldn't be in that position if it wasn't for all the great work that they've done. So next year is going to be tough. Red Bull, the fact that they haven't developed the car since August and they're still qualifying on pole shows that they'll have plenty in the bag all year long. So I think we've got a lot of work to do to really."
Hamilton dares not make a prediction on the outcome of the Grand Prix: "I have no idea what's going to happen today. The McLarens are fast. Ferraris are fast. I really can't predict what's going to happen. I'll give it everything and we'll see."