F1: Verstappen takes pole for decisive race in Abu Dhabi

Dutchman Max Verstappen will start from pole position for the Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix, the last and decisive stage of the season, which will define the 2025 champion. The Red Bull Racing driver was followed by Lando Norris (McLaren) and Oscar Piastri (McLaren).

Out of the title race, Gabriel Bortoleto, from Sauber, advances to Q3 and will leave in 7th place. The one who disappointed was Lewis Hamilton, who fell into the water in Q1 and started in 16th place.

F1: Verstappen takes pole for decisive race in Abu Dhabi - gallery highlight4 picturesMax Verstappen won the Qatar GPPiastri is in contention for the world titleLando Norris, leader of the Formula 1 championship.Close the modal.Metropolises1 of 4

Norris, Verstappen and Piastri fight for F1 title

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Max Verstappen won the Qatar GP

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Piastri is in contention for the world title

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Lando Norris, leader of the Formula 1 championship.

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Discover the starting grid for the Abu Dhabi GP:

  1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing)
  2. Lando Norris (McLaren)
  3. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
  4. George Russell (Mercedes)
  5. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
  6. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
  7. Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber)
  8. Esteban Ocon (Haas)
  9. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls)
  10. Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull Racing)
  11. Oliver Bearman (Haas)
  12. Carlos Sainz (Williams)
  13. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls)
  14. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
  15. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
  16. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
  17. Alexander Albon (Williams)
  18. Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber)
  19. Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
  20. Franco Colapinto (Alpine)

T1

Although he had little preparation time compared to his rivals Lando Norris and Max Verstappen – since he did not participate in the first free practices – Oscar Piastri showed what he was capable of. The Australian led the first qualifying stage, with a time of 1:22:605, followed by Verstappen and Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes).

Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari), Alexander Albon (Williams), Nico Hülkenberg (Sauber), Pierre Gasly (Alpine) and Franco Colapinto (Alpine) failed to progress to the next stage.

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T2

The second qualifying practice session had George Russell in the lead. The Mercedes driver achieved a time of 1:22:730. Max Verstappen and Lando Norris complete the top 3. The surprise of the scene was Gabriel Bortoleto. The Brazilian was in 5th place, far from the risk of falling in Q2.

Another Mercedista on track, Kimi Antonelli did not perform well and was eliminated in 14th position. In addition to Antonelli, Oliver Bearman (Haas), Carlos Sainz (Williams), Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) and Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) were eliminated.

T3

The decisive session to define the starting grid in Abu Dhabi was intense, with the three world title contenders fighting for first place. Max Verstappen was the best, with 1:22:207, followed by Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.

Gabriel Bortoleto once again achieves a great performance and will start in 7th position at the Yas Marina circuit in Abu Dhabi.