Max Verstappen Claims Crucial Abu Dhabi GP Pole Ahead of Norris
Red Bull star edges Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in dramatic qualifying ahead of Formula 1 season finale.
Max Verstappen delivered a decisive performance under the lights at Yas Marina Circuit, clinching pole position for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as the Formula 1 world championship heads for a dramatic season finale.
The four-time defending champion set the benchmark in qualifying, edging out McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in a tense session that underlined just how finely balanced the title race has become after 24 rounds.
Verstappen’s Red Bull will line up on pole, with Norris alongside him on the front row and Piastri set to start third, leaving the three championship contenders lined up together for Sunday’s decisive 58-lap race.
The Dutchman was fastest throughout Q3, producing a blistering opening run that saw him lap the 21 corners of Yas Marina 0.327 seconds quicker than Piastri and almost half a second faster than Norris. Although both McLaren drivers improved on their final runs — with Norris jumping ahead of his teammate — Verstappen responded once again.
In the end, Verstappen finished 0.201 seconds clear of Norris, with Piastri just 0.230 seconds off pole, sealing a crucial advantage in the title decider.
While Verstappen holds a 12-point cushion in the standings, Norris knows that finishing third on Sunday would be enough to secure his first world championship, regardless of where Verstappen finishes. Piastri, 16 points behind the leader, also remains mathematically in contention.
Despite securing a front-row start, Norris admitted mixed emotions after qualifying.
“The time will come on that, but for now I am disappointed not to be on pole. I will try and win tomorrow and that is the goal,” he said.
“It is tough. Max did a good job so congrats to him. I thought my lap was pretty good. I am disappointed not to be on pole but we were not fast enough today so we have to go again tomorrow.”
With Verstappen on pole, Norris alongside him, and Piastri just behind, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is set up for a high-stakes showdown that will decide the 2025 Formula 1 world champion.