Max Verstappen secured pole for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ahead of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, setting up a dramatic final fight for the 2025 Formula 1 title. Verstappen was fastest with a 1:22.207 lap, continuing his late-season surge, but the championship remains in Norris’s hands.
Norris leads by 12 points and will become world champion if he finishes third or better, or simply ahead of both rivals. Verstappen must win and hope Norris finishes off the podium, while Piastri needs victory and Norris to finish sixth or lower. McLaren are prepared to use team orders to protect Norris’s title hopes.
Lewis Hamilton endured another tough weekend, crashing in practice and qualifying only 16th as he closes out his most difficult F1 season without a podium.
All eyes now turn to Sunday, where a clean start — and avoiding trouble — could decide everything.
