The stage is set for a titanic showdown in the desert as the 2025 Formula 1 season reaches its thrilling climax at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Max Verstappen secured a stunning pole position for Red Bull, but the championship leader, Lando Norris, will start from second on the grid knowing a podium finish will seal his first world title.
Verstappen's Magic Lap Secures Pole
Under the lights of the Yas Marina Circuit, Max Verstappen delivered a qualifying masterclass to put his Red Bull at the front of the pack. His initial run in the decisive Q3 session was a blistering effort, putting him 0.327 seconds clear of Oscar Piastri and almost half a second faster than his title rival Norris.
Although both McLaren drivers improved on their final attempts, with Norris leapfrogging his teammate to secure a front-row berth, Verstappen found extra time to consolidate his advantage. The Dutchman ultimately finished 0.201 seconds ahead of Norris, with Piastri a close third, just 0.230 seconds off the pole time.
The Championship Equation for Norris
This result sets up a dramatic finale, with the three remaining title contenders lining up in sequence on the grid. The mathematics are clear for Lando Norris: he will be crowned 2025 Formula 1 World Champion if he finishes in third place or higher, irrespective of where Max Verstappen ends the 58-lap race.
Norris holds a 12-point lead in the drivers' standings, with 408 points to Verstappen's 396. His McLaren teammate, Oscar Piastri, remains a mathematical outsider on 392 points. The pressure is immense, but the starting position offers the British driver a prime opportunity to control his destiny from the front row.
Full Starting Grid and How to Watch
The full starting grid for the season finale is as follows:
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
- Lando Norris (McLaren)
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
- George Russell (Mercedes)
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
- Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
- Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber)
- Esteban Ocon (Haas)
- Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls)
- Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull)
The remaining starters are: Ollie Bearman (Haas), Carlos Sainz (Williams), Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls), Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes), Lance Stroll (Aston Martin), Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari), Alex Albon (Williams), Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber), Pierre Gasly (Alpine), and Franco Colapinto (Alpine).
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix begins at 1pm GMT on Sunday 7 December. In the UK, the race will be broadcast live on Sky Sports, with coverage starting from 11am. Viewers can also stream the action via the Sky Go app or with a NOWTV Day Pass.
All eyes will be on the battle between the top three as lights go out at Yas Marina. Can Norris hold his nerve to secure the crown, or will Verstappen produce a race-day miracle to snatch a fourth title? The final chapter of an epic season is about to be written.
