Max Verstappen will start from pole in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as the 2025 Formula 1 title fight goes to the wire, with Lando Norris second and Oscar Piastri third. Despite Verstappen’s strong qualifying lap, Norris remains in the driving seat overall. He leads the championship by 12 points and will become world champion if he finishes ahead of both rivals or takes third place or better.
Verstappen, on a late-season surge, vowed to attack aggressively, saying he has “nothing to lose”. McLaren confirmed they will use team orders if needed to secure the title, with Piastri still mathematically in contention but needing a win and a low finish from Norris.
Lewis Hamilton’s struggles continued as he qualified only 16th after a crash in practice. With everything on the line, Sunday’s race is set up for a dramatic finale under the Abu Dhabi lights.
