Niki Lauda says 2016 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix pole sitter Lewis Hamilton has been unbeatable so far this weekend, with the Briton outpacing Mercedes team-mate Nico Rosberg by over three tenths in qualifying.

Hamilton’s strong Q3 lap came after he had already topped the first two phases of Saturday evening’s session, as well as Friday practice. Lauda also dismissed suggestions that his rival Rosberg has had a cautious approach ahead of Sunday’s title decider.

“Nobody is playing it softly,” the former triple world champion told Sky Sports F1 at the end of qualifying. “Lewis did an incredible lap, outstanding. From Day One, he has been putting laps in that nobody could do.

“This is pure Lewis. That’s his talent, being aggressive and on the attack and he did a fantastic job.”

While Hamilton had hoped to see either the Red Bulls or Ferraris split him and Rosberg on the grid in order to boost his championship challenge, Lauda was happy with another front-row lock-out for the German manufacturer.

“For me, it’s important that both Mercedes are on the front row with Nico second. That’s the best possible result.”

Rosberg enters Sunday's race with a 12-point edge over Hamilton, which means he can afford to settle for a podium finish to win his first world title.

Jenson Button's F1 career: 17 seasons, 15 wins

Silbermann says ... Parting gifts galore

Grosjean column: Magnussen and THAT crash in Brazil

Chris Medland's 2016 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix preview

FEATURE: Hamilton v Rosberg: 2016 F1 drivers' title permutations

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Julien Billiotte

Recent Posts

Alpine double-podium in Brazil could deliver $30 million windfall

Alpine’s remarkable double podium at the São Paulo Grand Prix with Esteban Ocon and Pierre…

6 hours ago

F1i's Driver Ratings for the 2024 São Paulo GP

Alexander Albon, Williams (Did Not Start): 5.5/10 Alex Albon is definitely going through something of…

7 hours ago

Jos Verstappen rips British media after Brazilian Max fest

Jos Verstappen wasted no time after his son spectacular win at the São Paulo Grand…

9 hours ago

Leclerc left with ‘mixed feelings’ after disappointing Sao Paulo GP

Charles Leclerc's weekend in Sao Paulo was unfortunately a stark contrast to Ferrari's recent triumphs…

10 hours ago

Back when Kimi knew exactly what he was doing

Twelve years ago on this day, Kimi Raikkonen took a popular win at the 2012…

12 hours ago

Mercedes fined for starting grid tyre pressure infringement

The Mercedes team was hit with a fine by the FIA after Sunday’s Sao Paulo…

13 hours ago