Hamilton quickest in Abu Dhabi

Lewis Hamilton will have more to race for than the win – and the Formula One drivers’ championship – at Abu Dhabi tomorrow. Hamilton’s title defence had looked in tatters early on as Rosberg swept to victory in all of the first four races, but it was Hamilton who finished strongly, winning the final four races. Jeez, man, I would be in a different position right now if it was exclusively down to personal performance and not about how a team collectively together perform.

He had a podium spot no matter what, but Vettel’s auto wasn’t able to overtake Rosberg in the final laps, either, letting Rosberg drive home to a second place finish.

“I wouldn’t have expected him to do anything different”, he told reporters.

The defending champion is second favourite heading into Sunday’s race with the pressure on rival Nico Rosberg, who is chasing his first ever title.

“You just have to respect that there is a fierce rivalry, the competition is intense and like since 2013 we just have to try to keep it together with up and downs”, Wolff said. “If I performed at my best in these races I can be here knowing I gave everything and can walk away feeling proud”.

“It’s a shame that they wouldn’t but it’s quite clear their process”.

“Verstappen was right behind, I didn’t want to have Verstappen right behind at the end”.

“It was pretty chilled at the end”. I was determined like you couldn’t imagine. I was trying at times but Lewis was doing it really well.

“Whilst it doesn’t show that on paper, and people only remember who won the championship, in my heart I know and that’s good enough for me”.

“And however, they still felt they needed to make comments. We will discuss it afterwards as we all do”.

“If he is labelled “the world champion” it doesn’t necessarily mean that’s the way it’s labelled in my heart”, said the 31-year-old, who was quickest in both Friday practice sessions, making gestures for inverted commas. “I like to think higher of people that I’m racing against. That is the rules”.

Mercedes bosses left open the possibility of disciplinary action against Lewis Hamilton after the Briton ignored their orders while fighting team mate Nico Rosberg for the Formula One championship on Sunday.

Jenson Button is approaching the final round of the season as if it were his last in the sport as he prepares to move sideways for McLaren’s highly-rated reserve driver Stoffel Vandoorne next term.

“I did everything I could these last four races and that is all I could ask of myself”. I’ll leave here and have a lot of fun tonight, celebrating with the team and everyone. But you mentioned the strategy obviously.