The classification that defined the grid for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, this Saturday (6), increased the tension for the fight for the title for the 2025 Formula 1 season. Max Verstappen took pole position with 1:22.207, his eighth of the year and his fifth at the Yas Marina circuit, while Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, both from McLaren and the two main competitors in the classification, closed the top 3. The decisive race takes place this Sunday (7), at 10 a.m. (from Brasilia).
Even with its dominance in Q3, four-time champion Red Bull still needs a favorable scenario to be champion. A podium gives the title to Norris, current leader with 408 points. Verstappen has 396, followed closely by Piastri with 392. In other words: the Englishman only needs to finish in the top 3 to finish the championship, whatever the result of his Dutch rival.
Qualifying began with Oscar Piastri opening the advantage and Verstappen overtaking Norris in the first part of practice. Lewis Hamilton ended up being eliminated early on, alongside Alexander Albon, Pierre Gasly and Franco Colapinto.
Brazilian Gabriel Bortoleto was one of the highlights of the initial segment: in addition to moving forward, he also left Hamilton behind. The Sauber driver remained consistent and reached Q3 in fifth position, ultimately securing seventh place on the grid. His teammate Nico Hulkenberg only starts 18th.
With soft tires and vacuum help from Yuki Tsunoda, Verstappen set the decisive time on the first attempt, opening up an advantage over his McLaren rivals. In the final minutes, the trio in contention for the championship returned to the track for a final fast lap. Norris closed the gap, but not enough to take first place from the Dutchman; Piastri finishes third.
Today’s pole moved Verstappen to 48th in his career total. But despite the message on track, the mathematics of the championship remain completely open on Sunday. If Norris finishes outside the top four, the fight will go to Verstappen and Piastri.
The Brazilian finished the training satisfied after being among the fastest in the first segments and consolidating the seventh final time. He reiterates his best starting position of the season (Italy and Hungary). Alonso, Russell and Leclerc were in the lead, while Stroll, Sainz and other important names failed to qualify for the final stage.
With the grid defined and the three candidates separated by only 16 points, the start of the Abu Dhabi race is scheduled for 10 a.m. this Sunday (7).
Lando Norris (408)
- Podium (1st-2nd-3rd): champion regardless of his rivals.
- 4th or 5th: champion if Verstappen does not win.
- 6th or 7th: champion if Verstappen and Piastri do not win.
- 8th: champion if Verstappen is 3rd or less and Piastri does not win.
- 9th: champion if Verstappen is 4th or less and Piastri does not win.
- 10th or less: champion if Verstappen is 4th or less and Piastri is 3rd or less.
Max Verstappen (396 points)
- Win the race: champion if Norris is off the podium.
- 2nd place: champion if Piastri does not win and Norris finishes 8th or worse.
- 3rd place: champion if Piastri does not win and Norris finishes 9th or worse.
Oscar Piastri (392 points)
- Win the race: champion if Norris is at most 6th and Verstappen does not win.
- 2nd place: champion if Norris is at most 10th and Verstappen finishes 4th.