Abu Dhabi: pre-qualifying 2019


Almost immediately after putting up the post-race analysis for Brazil, Hamilton received a 5s penalty for the Albon collision, promoting Sainz to his first ever podium position and putting the Briton down to 6th.

For this weekend, Bottas starts at the back due to taking a new engine. Mr. Sandpit has suggested backing him for a podium, which seems a reasonably good idea.

In first practice, the Finn was fastest, half a second ahead of Verstappen, who was narrowly faster than Hamilton. Albon, Vettel, Grosjean, and Leclerc followed, with Magnussen, Giovinazzi, and Hulkenberg rounding out the top 10.

Bottas also topped the second session, a third of a second ahead of Hamilton. Leclerc and Vettel weren’t far behind, and Verstappen was following closely. Albon, Grosjean, Perez, Kvyat, and Gasly were next.

Third practice saw Verstappen fastest but with both Hamilton and Bottas within a tenth. Albon was over a third of a second off his team mate, but narrowly ahead of Vettel and Leclerc. Perez, Ricciardo, Sainz, and Gasly round out the top 10.

At this stage, Verstappen for pole and maybe Albon for a podium seem interesting.

Verstappen was 4 for pole, which is tempting but not outstanding. The each way is a third the odds top 2. Decided against it.

Qualifying is at 1pm, the race tomorrow is 1.10pm.

Morris Dancer

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