P3 might have been a false flag, as Mercedes and Ferrari cranked up the horsepower for Q3. Only Ricciardo surprised with a 4th place on the grid. Track appears to give a lot of difficulties finding a good setup and balance.
Great run from Bottas. He needs to win the race and Vettel 9th or worse to take 2nd place in the championship. So unless Vettel ruins his front wing again, there is little chance for that to happen. But never say never. Ricciardo wants some fireworks and will go for it the first lap.
Qualifying results - 2017 Abu Dhabi Formula 1 Grand Prix
Pos. Driver Team Q1 Q2 Q3 Laps
1. V. Bottas Mercedes 01:37.356 01:36.822 01:36.231 18
2. L. Hamilton Mercedes 01:37.391 01:36.742 01:36.403 18
3. S. Vettel Ferrari 01:37.817 01:37.023 01:36.777 17
4. D. Ricciardo Red Bull 01:38.016 01:37.583 01:36.959 16
5. K. Räikkönen Ferrari 01:37.453 01:37.302 01:36.985 17
6. M. Verstappen Red Bull 01:38.021 01:37.777 01:37.328 19
7. N. Hulkenberg Renault 01:38.781 01:38.138 01:38.282 14
8. S. Pérez Force India 01:38.601 01:38.359 01:38.374 17
9. E. Ocon Force India 01:38.896 01:38.392 01:38.397 17
10. F. Massa Williams 01:38.629 01:38.565 01:38.550 18
11. F. Alonso McLaren 01:38.820 01:38.636 12
12. C. Sainz Jr. Renault 01:38.810 01:38.725 9
13. S. Vandoorne McLaren 01:38.777 01:38.808 9
14. K. Magnussen Haas 01:39.395 01:39.298 16
15. L. Stroll Williams 01:39.503 01:39.646 14
16. R. Grosjean Haas 01:39.516 10
17. P. Gasly Toro Rosso 01:39.724 9
18. P. Wehrlein Sauber 01:39.930 9
19. M. Ericsson Sauber 01:39.994 9
20. B. Hartley Toro Rosso 01:40.471 8