Max Verstappen secured pole for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ahead of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, setting up a three-way championship showdown. Despite Verstappen’s top starting position, Norris still controls the title fight. The Briton leads by 12 points and will become champion if he finishes third or higher, or simply ahead of both rivals.
Verstappen, on strong form with five wins in the last eight races, vowed to attack aggressively, saying he has “nothing to lose”. McLaren confirmed they will use team orders if needed to support Norris. Piastri remains in contention but needs victory and for Norris to finish sixth or lower.
Qualifying was tight, with Verstappen’s 1:22.207 lap putting him two tenths clear of Norris. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton endured another difficult weekend, qualifying only 16th after an earlier crash.
All eyes now turn to Sunday’s race, where one mistake could decide the world championship.
