Just a week after being ruled out of the Sakhir Grand Prix having tested positive for COVID-19, Lewis Hamilton was ready to return to the track in Abu Dhabi, but after qualifying third at Yas Marina, he says it was a tough session for him.
Hamilton had taken 10 of the 15 poles in 2020 before his positive test, but he was unable to return to his usual form at the final race of the season, as Max Verstappen and Valtteri Bottas secured their positions on the front row.
Hamilton told Sky Sports: "Today was definitely hard. Yesterday and today have been the hardest days in the car but I gave it everything I got. I was struggling with the car and not the usual me.
"It's a bit of rhythm and generally struggled with the balance of the car. Made quite a few changes and then went back on some. I am excited to be there and fight."