Sun Dec 08 13:50:00 UTC 2024: ## Hamilton’s Abu Dhabi Farewell Marred by Qualifying Mishap; McLaren on Verge of Championship Victory
**Abu Dhabi, UAE** – Lewis Hamilton’s final qualifying session with Mercedes ended in disappointment at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, as a stray bollard cost him a strong finish. The seven-time world champion, starting his last race with the team from 16th place (after penalties), hit the loose bollard – dislodged earlier by Kevin Magnussen – resulting in a loss of downforce and a 18th-place finish. Hamilton expressed his frustration, stating that “it couldn’t have gone worse.” Despite the setback, he expressed gratitude for the support received over his 12 seasons with Mercedes, carrying the names of 150 fans on his car. Team principal Toto Wolff apologized for the team’s error in sending Hamilton out late into qualifying traffic.
Meanwhile, McLaren dominated qualifying, securing a front-row lockout with Lando Norris taking pole position and Oscar Piastri in second. This puts McLaren in a commanding position to clinch their first constructors’ championship since 1998. A win for either driver, or finishing ahead of both Ferraris, would secure the title. Ferrari’s chances were significantly hampered by Charles Leclerc’s deleted Q2 lap due to track limits and a 10-place grid penalty.
McLaren’s resurgence has been remarkable, overcoming a 115-point deficit since May. Their team principal, Andrea Stella, hailed the turnaround as “unthinkable” just a year ago. Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz qualified third, followed by Nico Hülkenberg of Haas, Max Verstappen of Red Bull, and Pierre Gasly of Alpine. Hamilton’s teammate, George Russell, qualified seventh.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix promises a thrilling race, with McLaren aiming for a championship victory and Hamilton looking to finish his Mercedes chapter with a strong performance, before his move to Ferrari in 2025.
First Piper 