2025 Abu Dhabi GP Starting Grid Revealed

Max Verstappen will once again start from pole position at the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, capping off a dominant qualifying performance. McLaren's Lando Norris lines up alongside him on the front row, setting the stage for a thrilling season finale. Lewis Hamilton, in his last race with Ferrari, faces a challenging start after an incident during qualifying, while rising stars and seasoned veterans alike aim to make their mark on the Yas Marina Circuit.

Why it matters:

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is not just the season closer; it often determines final championship standings and sets the tone for the winter break. For Max Verstappen, it's another chance to solidify his unmatched dominance. For Lando Norris, a strong performance could cement McLaren's upward trajectory, while Lewis Hamilton's final Ferrari outing will be closely watched, particularly after a difficult qualifying session. The race also marks pivotal moments for several drivers and teams heading into the 2026 regulatory changes.

The Details:

• Pole Position: Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing) secured yet another pole, demonstrating his continued mastery of the Yas Marina circuit.
• Front Row Challenger: Lando Norris (McLaren) qualified second, showcasing McLaren's strong form and potential to challenge Red Bull on race day.
• Ferrari's Struggles: Charles Leclerc qualified third, but his teammate Lewis Hamilton will start further down the grid after a significant crash in Q3, impacting his farewell race with Ferrari.
  • Hamilton's incident brought out red flags and cut short several drivers' final attempts, adding drama to the session.
• Mercedes' Performance: George Russell managed to secure a spot in the top five, indicating Mercedes' consistent, though not dominant, pace.
• Midfield Battles: The grid features tight competition in the midfield, with Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso, Williams' Carlos Sainz, and Alpine's Pierre Gasly all looking to score crucial points.
• Rookie Watch: Young talents like Oliver Bearman (Haas F1 Team) and Franco Colapinto (Alpine) are making appearances, with Bearman making his F1 debut and looking to impress.
  • Isack Hadjar and Gabriel Bortoleto also participated in practice sessions, hinting at future talent.
• Team Dynamics: The qualifying results highlight the ongoing performance gaps between the top three teams and the rest of the grid, though McLaren and Mercedes are consistently closing in.

What's next:

All eyes will be on the race start, with the long run down to Turn 1 always a critical moment at Yas Marina. Verstappen will be aiming for a clean getaway, while Norris will be eager to challenge for the lead. The strategic interplay of tire compounds and pit stops will be crucial on this circuit, known for its strategic complexity. Hamilton's recovery drive, in particular, will be a storyline to follow as he bids farewell to Ferrari before his highly anticipated move to Mercedes for the 2026 season. The race is set to provide a dramatic conclusion to the 2025 season, with championship implications still in play for some constructor and driver positions.

Starting Grid (Top 10):

1. Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing)
2. Lando Norris (McLaren)
3. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
4. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
5. George Russell (Mercedes)
6. Yuki Tsunoda (Racing Bulls)
7. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin Racing)
8. Carlos Sainz (Williams)
9. Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
10. Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber)

(Note: Full grid positions for all 20 drivers are available from official sources, but the top 10 represent the critical starting points for the race's leading contenders.)