F1 News
Mercedes smile: "Able to finish 2019 qualifying in the same vein that we started"
Mercedes haven't recorded the best qualifying results in the latter part of the season, but after Saturday's one-two in Abu Dhabi, they can once again smile. James Allison looks back to their result in Australia which was exactly the same, however, on this occasion Valtteri Bottas will drop to the back of the grid to serve an engine penalty leaving Lewis Hamilton alone in P1.
"It seemed like we had some strength, but we could also see from Max's running and from the Ferraris, that they were capable of threatening us. So we went into Qualifying with no idea where we would be - it could be the front row, or fifth and sixth," Allison reported after the session on the Yas Marina Circuit.
"It was very gratifying to see, as Qualifying unwrapped, that we were strong in each session and have been able to finish Qualifying for the year in the same vein that we started it - with a dominant first and second on the grid. Of course, it's sad that Valtteri will start from the back of the grid, but I'm really excited to see how the race pans out for both our drivers."
Hamilton recorded his first pole position since the German Grand Prix way back in July. He notches up his 88th pole start, 20 more than Michael Schumacher's tally. On Friday, the Mercedes car looked strong on the long runs. But as always, Max Verstappen and the two Ferraris will be doing all they can.