The Four-time World Champion Max Verstappen secured pole position at the 2025 Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix qualifying. Representing Red Bull Oracle Racing, the Dutch driver outpaced McLaren duo Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, who will start second and third. With this result, Verstappen will lead the grid from the front, followed closely by the McLarens, setting the stage for an exciting showdown at the season-ending Abu Dhabi GP.
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Mercedes driver George Russell, Ferrari's Charles Leclerc, and Aston Martin Aramco's Fernando Alonso have secured fourth, fifth, and sixth positions on the grid. Gabriel Bortoleto of Kick Sauber and Haas' Esteban Ocon will line up seventh and eighth, respectively. Meanwhile, Isack Hadjar, currently racing with the Visa Cash App RB team, claimed ninth place. His strong performance reinforces Red Bull's decision to promote him as Max Verstappen's teammate for the 2026 season, marking him as a promising addition to the championship fight.
In qualifying action, McLaren drivers battled hard, with Norris finishing 0.201s behind Verstappen and edging Piastri by 0.029s. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton's struggles continued as the seven-time champion, despite his record of five poles and five wins at Yas Marina, failed to progress past Q1 after a practice crash.
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Oscar Piastri and George Russell impressed in Q1 and Q2, but Max Verstappen delivered when it mattered most. The Dutchman set the pace in the top-10 shootout and improved further with a 1m22.207s lap, securing pole position. Lando Norris followed closely, taking second place for the championship-deciding race.
Lando Norris holds a 12-point lead over Max Verstappen heading into the Abu Dhabi GP finale. With 25 points available, a podium ensures the championship, though finishing ahead of Verstappen and Piastri without podium success would also secure the crown.
2025 Formula 1 Abu Dhabi GP Qualifying Result:
| Pos. | No. | Driver | Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 | Laps |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | 1 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull Racing | 1:22.877 | 1:22.752 | 1:22.207 | 18 |
| 2 | 4 | Lando Norris | McLaren | 1:23.178 | 1:22.804 | 1:22.408 | 17 |
| 3 | 81 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren | 1:22.605 | 1:23.021 | 1:22.640 | 17 |
| 4 | 63 | George Russell | Mercedes | 1:23.247 | 1:22.730 | 1:22.645 | 18 |
| 5 | 16 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari | 1:23.163 | 1:22.948 | 1:22.730 | 18 |
| 6 | 14 | Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin | 1:23.071 | 1:22.861 | 1:22.902 | 18 |
| 7 | 5 | Gabriel Bortoleto | Kick Sauber | 1:23.374 | 1:22.874 | 1:22.904 | 21 |
| 8 | 31 | Esteban Ocon | Haas F1 Team | 1:23.334 | 1:23.023 | 1:22.913 | 18 |
| 9 | 8 | Isack Hadjar | Racing Bulls | 1:23.373 | 1:22.997 | 1:23.072 | 17 |
| 10 | 22 | Yuki Tsunoda | Red Bull Racing | 1:23.386 | 1:23.034 | DNF | 17 |
| 11 | 87 | Oliver Bearman | Haas F1 Team | 1:23.254 | 1:23.041 | - | 11 |
| 12 | 55 | Carlos Sainz | Williams | 1:23.187 | 1:23.042 | - | 12 |
| 13 | 30 | Liam Lawson | Racing Bulls | 1:23.265 | 1:23.077 | - | 14 |
| 14 | 2 | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes | 1:22.894 | 1:23.080 | - | 12 |
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