Lewis Hamilton: F1 champ reveals ‘emotional rollercoaster’ ahead of Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
LEWIS HAMILTON has admitted he’s been through a ‘rollercoaster’ of emotions with his Mercedes car this season.
The Brit had to deal with a host of problems with his vehicle early this season, much to his annoyance.
He was forced to retire from the Austrian Grand Prix with ten laps to go due to an issue with fuel pressure.
Mercedes worked tirelessly to ensure the problem wouldn’t arise again, which it didn’t.
With no issues holding him or his car back, Hamilton romped to his fifth F1 title with 10 first-place finishes.
The 33-year-old will be driving a new-and-improved vehicle come the start of the 2019 season, though he’s sad to be parting ways with his current car.
"It was emotional because it is the last time in this car," Hamilton said after finishing in pole position for today’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
"The emotional rollercoaster I have been through with this car, I am probably closer to this car than any other.
“It has not been easy, it has been a struggle, but I am so grateful to the team for putting it all together for me.
The emotional rollercoaster I have been through with this car, I am probably closer to this car than any other
"Today was so much fun, to be able to go out and express yourself was a great feeling."
Despite already having wrapped up the title weeks ago, Hamilton is hoping that the final race of the season is a closely contested one.
He said: “I hope they have a strong finish to the year and I hope it's relatively close between us all.”
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix qualifying results
Q1
Out: Stroll, Sirotkin, Vandoorne, Gasly, Hartley
Q2
Out: Alonso, Perez, Magnussen, Ericsson, Sainz
Q3
1 Hamilton
2 Bottas
3 Vettel
4 Raikkonen
5 Ricciardo
6 Verstappen
7 Grosjean
8 Leclerc
9 Ocon
10 Hulkenberg