Thrilling Qualifying Sets Up Final Battle in Abu Dhabi
The final qualifying session for the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix — the season finale at the Yas Marina Circuit — delivered high drama as three drivers entered the weekend still mathematically able to claim the title. Into that cauldron of pressure and possibility stepped Max Verstappen, and he seized the moment, securing pole position with an impressive lap time of 1:22.207.
Verstappen’s performance was authoritative. Across all three qualifying segments, he pushed his car to the limit and emerged on top when it mattered most — putting him in the ideal spot to launch a charge for the championship in Sunday’s title-decider.
Front-Row Drama: Championship Rivals Lined Up for Final Duel
Right behind Verstappen, the two main challengers for the championship — Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, both from McLaren — locked in second and third on the grid. Norris posted a lap of 1:22.408, narrowly missing pole by about two-tenths of a second, while Piastri put in a strong 1:22.437 to slot in third.
That McLaren locked out the second and third slots makes for a powerful formation: their drivers will start directly behind Verstappen — and in a title fight that could go down to the final corners, that grid position could matter hugely.
For Norris, starting from P2 is valuable: all he needs is a podium to clinch the championship under the current points scenario. For Piastri, third gives him a shot, but everything would need to click — top pace, strategic calls, and maybe a bit of fortune.
Strong Qualifying from the Rest — But Stakes Are Highest for Contenders
Behind the top three, other drivers also put down competitive laps, setting up a formidable grid for the start. George Russell of Mercedes claimed fourth with a time of 1:22.645, extending a run of strong qualifying form.
Close on his heels was Charles Leclerc from Ferrari, managing a 1:22.730 — enough for fifth on the grid. Although Ferrari are no longer in the title hunt, Leclerc’s speed remains a bright spot.
Further down the order, Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) grabbed sixth with 1:22.902; in seventh was rising rookie Gabriel Bortoleto (Stake F1) at 1:22.904 — a highly encouraging result in his debut season.
In eighth and ninth were Esteban Ocon (Haas) and Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls), respectively — both showing speed and consistency heading into the finale.
Rounding out the top ten was Yuki Tsunoda of Red Bull, bringing potentially his final full-time F1 weekend to a close.
Shock for a Legend — Struggles Continue for Big Names
One of the biggest surprises was the elimination of Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) in Q1 — marking a third straight early exit for the seven-time world champion. His best lap of 1:23.394 was nowhere near enough to advance, meaning he’ll start from 16th. It’s been a tough season for him at Ferrari, and qualifying again highlighted the uphill battle he faces on race day.
Further down, the remainder of the field — including drivers like Alexander Albon, Nico Hülkenberg, Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto — were unable to make it out of the early qualifying rounds, setting up a mixed and unpredictable midfield for the race.
Title Showdown: Grid Sets the Stage for a Classic Finale
With the top three — Verstappen, Norris, and Piastri — all locked on the front row, the scene is set for what could be one of the most dramatic season finales in recent history. Whoever gets the start, manages tyres well, nails strategy, and stays out of trouble might walk away as 2025 world champion.
For Norris, P2 is a strong launching pad toward the title; for Verstappen, pole gives him the momentum — and the pressure — to attack; for Piastri, third is his last shot at glory, but he’ll need everything — and maybe more. Meanwhile, drivers like Russell, Leclerc, Alonso, Bortoleto and others will be fighting for strong finishes, bragging rights and perhaps a final statement as the season ends.
It promises to be a tense, thrilling race — and the grid alone shows just how many storylines will converge when the lights go out at Yas Marina.
