Max Verstappen delivered a magical lap to seize pole position for the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, setting up a nail-biting showdown for the 2025 Formula 1 world championship. His main rival, McLaren's Lando Norris, will start from second on the grid, knowing a podium finish could secure him his first title.
Verstappen's Dominant Qualifying Performance
Under the lights at the Yas Marina Circuit, Verstappen was in a class of his own. The Red Bull driver danced his RB21 around the 5.28km track's 21 corners to set a blistering benchmark in the final Q3 session. His initial run put him 0.327 seconds clear of Oscar Piastri and nearly half a second ahead of Norris in the other McLaren.
Although both McLaren drivers improved on their final attempts, with Norris jumping ahead of his teammate to claim a front-row spot, Verstappen found yet more time. The Dutchman's ultimate lap left him 0.201 seconds ahead of Norris, with Piastri a further 0.230 seconds back in third. This result means the three remaining title contenders will line up directly behind one another for Sunday's decisive race.
The Championship Equation for Norris and Verstappen
The grid sets the stage for a high-stakes tactical battle. Lando Norris will be crowned champion if he finishes in third place, regardless of where Max Verstappen ends the 58-lap race. However, with Verstappen holding pole and a 12-point deficit to make up, the advantage is firmly with the reigning champion.
Norris also faces pressure from close behind, with teammate Oscar Piastri, who is 16 points adrift, starting directly behind him in third. The McLaren driver admitted he faced a restless night ahead of the grand prix. George Russell qualified fourth for Mercedes, having lost time in the final corner, which at least prevented the situation from being worse for Norris.
A jubilant Verstappen celebrated over team radio, shouting: 'Let's f****** go!' after securing what could be a crucial pole position.
Hamilton's Season Hits New Low with Q1 Exit
In stark contrast, Lewis Hamilton's difficult debut season with Ferrari plumbed new depths. The seven-time world champion was eliminated in the first qualifying session (Q1) for the third consecutive race, following exits in Las Vegas and Qatar.
Hamilton's troubles began when he crashed in final practice, causing significant damage to the front of his Ferrari. His mechanics performed a heroic repair job, but the 40-year-old might have been better off not running. After a lap he initially described as feeling 'good', he was knocked out when Sauber's Gabriel Bortoleto progressed, leaving Hamilton 16th.
'Every time, mate, I am so sorry,' a dejected Hamilton told his team over the radio. He finished two-and-a-half tenths behind teammate Charles Leclerc, who qualified fifth. This result means Hamilton is set to end a season without a single podium for the first time in his career. Leclerc has now out-qualified him 19 times in 24 races this year.
All eyes now turn to Sunday's grand prix, where the 2025 Formula 1 world champion will be decided under the desert sky.
