Max Verstappen secured pole for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ahead of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, setting up a three-way fight for the Formula 1 world championship. Despite starting behind Verstappen, Norris still holds the advantage: he leads the standings by 12 points and will become champion if he finishes third or better, or ahead of both rivals. Verstappen must win and hope Norris misses the podium, while Piastri needs victory and Norris to slip to sixth or lower.
Verstappen delivered a rapid 1:22.207 lap to take pole, continuing his strong late-season form. Norris and Piastri start close behind, with McLaren ready to use team orders if needed. Lewis Hamilton endured another difficult outing, qualifying only 16th after a practice crash.
The title will be decided on Sunday, with strategy, nerves and the opening lap likely to be decisive.
