Max Verstappen took pole for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, setting up a dramatic final race of the season with title rivals Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri starting right behind him. Verstappen edged Norris by two tenths, with Piastri just behind in third.
Despite Verstappen’s strong qualifying, Norris remains in control of the championship. He leads by 12 points and will become world champion if he finishes ahead of both rivals or secures third place or better. Verstappen must win and hope Norris finishes off the podium, while Piastri needs victory and for Norris to drop to sixth or lower.
McLaren say they will use team orders if needed to help secure the title, meaning strategy could play as big a role as pure pace. Verstappen insists he will attack from the start, while Norris says he feels calm under pressure.
Elsewhere, Lewis Hamilton endured another difficult weekend, crashing in practice and qualifying only 16th, rounding off his toughest season with no podiums so far.
All eyes now turn to Sunday, where the championship will be decided under the lights at Yas Marina.
