Max Verstappen has claimed pole position at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, setting the stage for a thrilling title decider. The Red Bull driver delivered a flawless lap around the demanding 21-corner Yas Marina Circuit, finishing Q3 0.327 seconds ahead of Oscar Piastri and nearly half a second clear of Lando Norris.
Norris, who qualified second after overtaking Piastri on the final lap, will start alongside Verstappen on the front row, with the three championship contenders poised to line up closely on Sunday. Norris holds a crucial advantage: he will secure his first world championship by finishing third or better, regardless of Verstappen’s result.
Despite this, Norris remains focused on victory. “I’m disappointed not to be on pole,” he admitted. “Max did a great job. I thought my lap was strong, but we simply weren’t fast enough today. I’ll be pushing for the win tomorrow.”
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Verstappen, 12 points behind Norris, expressed cautious optimism. “I’ll try my best to win the race, but luck will be needed given what’s unfolding behind us.”
George Russell snagged fourth place on the grid after a late mistake, starting just behind the lead trio. Meanwhile, a difficult day continued for Lewis Hamilton, who faces the prospect of his first season without a podium finish. After crashes and early eliminations in qualifying, Hamilton ended 16th on the grid, trailing significantly behind teammate Charles Leclerc, who qualified in fifth.
Hamilton’s struggling form this season includes 19 out-qualifications by Leclerc in 24 races. Following his Q1 exit, Hamilton apologized to his team, underscoring the challenges faced by one of Formula 1’s greats in this difficult campaign.
The stage is set for an electrifying race as Verstappen, Norris, and Piastri vie for the coveted world championship in Sunday’s 58-lap desert showdown.