Max Verstappen will start the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix from pole as Formula 1 heads into a three-way title decider. Lando Norris lines up second with Oscar Piastri third, but despite Verstappen’s qualifying success, Norris remains in control of the championship picture.
Norris leads by 12 points over Verstappen and 16 over Piastri. He becomes world champion if he finishes ahead of both, or claims third place or better. Verstappen must win and hope Norris finishes off the podium, while Piastri needs victory and for Norris to be sixth or lower.
Qualifying was tight, Verstappen posting 1:22.207 to edge Norris by two-tenths. The Dutchman says he will “go all out” on Sunday, while McLaren confirmed they will use team orders if required to secure the title.
Lewis Hamilton endured another difficult session, qualifying only 16th after a practice crash capped off a difficult season with no podium finishes. The title will be decided in what promises to be a tense, high-stakes finale under the lights in Abu Dhabi.
