Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Qualifying Report: Verstappen Secures Pole Position
Abu Dhabi, UAE – Max Verstappen clinched pole position for the final race of the season at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, clocking a lap time of 1:22.207. This marks Verstappen’s eighth pole of the 2025 season, the most among all drivers. The reigning champion’s performance in Q3 was characterized by two standout laps, which ultimately outpaced his closest rivals, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, by a margin of 0.201s and 0.230s, respectively.
Verstappen’s advantage was prepared in Q2, where he utilized only used tires, ensuring he had two sets of fresh softs for Q3. This strategic approach paid dividends as he executed an impressive final lap, setting purple sectors in the first two segments.
“I think that the changes [made after FP3] definitely helped me a little bit more to feel better in qualifying,” Verstappen commented. “We found a bit more lap time, and of course I’m incredibly happy to be in first.”
In the intra-McLaren battle for the front row, Oscar Piastri initially led Norris by 0.129s after their first runs. However, Norris responded with a cleaner final lap, ultimately qualifying second. Despite the strong showing, both McLaren drivers were unable to challenge Verstappen.
“Max did a good job, so congrats to him,” said Norris. “Of course disappointed to not be on pole for the final weekend, but we just weren’t fast enough today.”
Norris is aware that finishing in the top three could secure him the championship title, regardless of how others perform. The last ten pole-sitters at Yas Marina have claimed victory in the race.
Piastri expressed satisfaction with his performance after overcoming initial struggles earlier in the weekend. “It was nice to finally get into a rhythm for the weekend. Honestly, I think the last lap in Q3 was pretty good.”
George Russell qualified fourth, followed closely by Charles Leclerc in fifth—surprising given Ferrari’s performance issues. Fernando Alonso took sixth for Aston Martin, while Gabriel Bortoleto edged out teammate Nico Hulkenberg to secure seventh. Esteban Ocon achieved eighth, marking his third Q3 appearance of the year.
Isack Hadjar and Yuki Tsunoda completed the top ten, with Tsunoda qualifying without a time due to strategic slipstreaming attempts that did not yield the desired results.
Lewis Hamilton experienced a disappointing exit in Q1, marking his third consecutive knockout in this final qualifying session. Despite repairing his car after an FP3 crash, he could only manage 16th, missing Q2 by just 0.008s.
Qualifying Results
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – 1:22.207
- Lando Norris (McLaren) – +0.201s
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – +0.230s
- George Russell (Mercedes) – +0.438s
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – +0.497s
- Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) – +0.510s
- Gabriel Bortoleto (Alfa Romeo) – +0.588s
- Esteban Ocon (Alpine) – +0.635s
- Isack Hadjar (Alpine) – +0.754s
- Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull) – No time
The stage is set for an exciting final race, with significant implications for the championship as Norris aims for a podium finish to secure the title.
