Full starting grid for 2025 F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
The stage is set for a dramatic conclusion to the 2025 Formula 1 season as the championship battle reaches its final chapter at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. With the title still mathematically open, all eyes are on the front of the grid, where the three championship contenders—Max Verstappen, Lando Norris, and Oscar Piastri—have locked out the top three positions in a thrilling qualifying session at the Yas Marina Circuit.
Max Verstappen delivered yet another masterclass during qualifying, securing pole position as he begins his pursuit of a historic fifth consecutive world championship. The Dutch driver produced two fast laps in Q3, each good enough for the top spot, showing both speed and confidence when it mattered most. His benchmark lap placed him ahead of McLaren duo Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, both of whom are still in contention for the championship themselves.
For Verstappen, starting from pole is the ideal scenario. However, the championship permutations mean that he does not quite control his own destiny. Even with a victory on Sunday night, the Red Bull driver must rely on Norris finishing fourth or lower to snatch the title away. It is a daunting scenario, but Verstappen has proved time and again that pressure tends to bring out his most formidable performances.
Lando Norris, starting in second place, occupies the most favourable position in the championship fight. The McLaren star only needs to secure a podium—any position within the top three—to be crowned world champion for the first time in his career. This means that even if Verstappen wins, Norris simply needs to follow closely behind to secure the title. His qualifying result gives him a solid platform, but with the narrow margins and unpredictable nature of racing at Yas Marina, nothing is guaranteed.
Oscar Piastri lines up third, hoping to keep his title ambitions alive through a bold performance on race day. His path to the championship, however, is more complex. The young Australian must finish either first or second to have any chance of becoming world champion. If he takes victory, Verstappen’s finishing position becomes irrelevant, but Norris would still need to finish sixth or lower. It is a tall order, yet Piastri has demonstrated sharp pace throughout the season and will be determined to take the fight all the way to the chequered flag.
Behind the top three, Mercedes used qualifying to underline their steady progress this season. George Russell secured fourth place, ensuring he starts the race near the front and ready to seize opportunities should any of the frontrunners falter. Just behind him is Charles Leclerc in fifth for Ferrari—a solid result, though Ferrari’s inconsistent form throughout the weekend leaves questions about whether they will have the pace to challenge the leaders in the race.
Fernando Alonso continued his strong late-season form by putting his Aston Martin in sixth place, demonstrating the team’s growing competitiveness. Rookie sensation Gabriel Bortoleto produced one of the standout drives of qualifying, lining up seventh for Stake, further cementing his reputation as one of the brightest talents emerging in Formula 1.
Haas also enjoyed a competitive showing, with Esteban Ocon placing eighth and his teammate Oliver Bearman starting 11th. The American team appears to have made genuine strides with their 2025 package, and both drivers enter the race optimistic about scoring points.
Red Bull’s second driver, Yuki Tsunoda, starts tenth, just behind Isack Hadjar in ninth—the Racing Bulls driver continuing an impressive rookie campaign by making another Q3 appearance. Another Racing Bulls driver, Liam Lawson, will begin from 13th, hoping strategy and race pace help him climb up the order.
Lewis Hamilton’s difficult season with Ferrari took another hit as the seven-time world champion suffered a frustrating Q1 exit. He lines up 16th on the grid, continuing a pattern of underwhelming qualifying performances that have plagued his first year back at Ferrari. Hamilton will face a steep challenge on race day, needing a strong strategy and clean race to salvage points from deep in the pack.
Williams drivers Alex Albon and Carlos Sainz start 17th and 12th respectively, while Nico Hulkenberg begins 18th for Stake. The Alpine duo of Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto struggled throughout qualifying and will start from the final row in 19th and 20th.
As always, it is important to note that the starting grid remains provisional until the FIA confirms it, in case penalties or investigations alter the order. But with Verstappen, Norris, and Piastri occupying the top three spots, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is perfectly poised for a spectacular showdown.
What unfolds under the Yas Marina lights will decide the 2025 world champion—and with such fine margins separating the contenders, fans can expect one of the most tense and unforgettable finales Formula 1 has seen in years.
