Max Verstappen will start from pole for the final race of the season in Abu Dhabi, setting up a three-way title showdown with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Norris, who lines up second, still holds the championship advantage with a 12-point lead over Verstappen and 16 over Piastri. A third-place finish or better guarantees him the title, while Verstappen must win and hope Norris finishes off the podium. Piastri needs victory and for Norris to finish sixth or lower.
Verstappen delivered a rapid 1:22.207 to take pole by two tenths, continuing his late-season surge. Norris and Piastri were close behind, with McLaren prepared to use team orders if needed. Lewis Hamilton endured another tough weekend, crashing in practice and qualifying only 16th, capping a difficult season without a podium.
With everything to play for, the opening laps could decide the world championship — pole for Verstappen, pressure on Norris, and one race left to settle it.
