Lewis Hamilton's promise to concentrate hard on the final two races of the season, despite having already secured the championship, didn't get off to a good start. The Brit crashed just minutes into the first qualifying session, leaving pole position open for his teammate to take. Bottas secured pole, with Vettel fighting him but having to settle behind.

The Red Bull drivers were down on pace and Ricciardo went into the session knowing he would take a penalty as well. Alonso finished comfortably inside the top ten, with two Renaults and Felipe Massa.