Max Verstappen claimed pole position for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, setting up a high-stakes finale with championship leader Lando Norris starting alongside him in second and Oscar Piastri third. Verstappen, on strong late-season form, says he will go “all out” with nothing to lose.
Norris, however, remains favourite for the title. He leads by 12 points and will become world champion if he finishes third or better, or simply finishes ahead of both Verstappen and Piastri. Verstappen must win and hope Norris misses the podium, while Piastri needs victory and Norris to finish sixth or lower.
Qualifying was tight, Verstappen securing pole by two tenths. McLaren say team orders could be used to protect Norris’s title bid. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton endured another tough day, qualifying only 16th after a practice crash.
All three contenders start near the front, promising a tense and potentially decisive opening lap under the Abu Dhabi lights.
