Hamilton, who clinched a seventh title in Turkey two weeks ago, was a comfortable 0.289 seconds clear of Mercedes team-mate Valtteri Bottas. Hamilton said there was “plenty of room for improvement” and he went out and proved it. Although all three improved on their second runs, Hamilton moved further clear, with Bottas slipping in front of Verstappen for the customary front of the grid in 2020. It was the 98th pole of Hamilton’s career, and he can reach a century if he does the same at the final two races of the year, a remarkable achievement. Leclerc was beaten in qualifying by team-mate Sebastian Vettel, who was 0.016secs ahead in 11th place, for only the fourth time this season.

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