Practice day reaction: Hamilton expects Ferrari to regroup

Lewis Hamilton has said that he expects Sebastian Vettel and Ferrari to come back strong for the final Free Practice and qualifying for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix tomorrow after Mercedes just managed to claim the fastest time in FP2 ahead of the Scuderia.

Hamilton has already claimed the Formula One world championship for the season after the points gained at the Mexico Grand Prix a few weeks ago, but is still performing at a high level and recorded a track record time at Yas Marina in FP2 ahead of Vettel in second.

Speaking at the press conference following FP2, Hamilton claimed that he was encouraged with the day's performance from the car, but admitted he was happy it was the final GP of the season.

"It's been a good Friday, but I'm happy that it's the last one of the season," he told reporters.

"We got lots of laps in today and made good progress with the balance of the car. We have a bit of work to do, but I feel like we're quite competitive here.

"It's relatively close still, but I like that."

Vettel won the last Grand Prix in Brazil and also set the best time in the first Free Practice at Yas Marina this morning only to be edged out by Hamilton in FP2. However, Hamilton is sure the German and Ferrari will come out with improvements tomorrow.

"I'm definitely expecting more to come from them," the Englishman continued.

"We're going to make some set-up changes overnight so hopefully there is more to come from us as well.

"There's always a couple of areas [to change]. It was quite windy today with the headwind, tailwind, crosswind into corners so it's understanding that.

"But overall it's been a positive day."