The Formula 1 season finale in Abu Dhabi sees Max Verstappen on pole, but Lando Norris, starting second, needs only a podium to clinch his first World Championship. Nico Rosberg warns of a potential Hamilton-like slowing tactic by Verstappen, while McLaren's Oscar Piastri, starting third, remains a wildcard, setting up a three-way title fight and a high-stakes strategic showdown.
Charles Leclerc reveals the Ferrari SF-25 is incredibly challenging to drive, requiring drivers to risk crashing to achieve a good result, as evidenced by his own P5 in Abu Dhabi and teammate Lewis Hamilton's Q1 exit. The team's struggles highlight deep-seated issues hindering their championship aspirations, forcing them to find satisfaction in maximizing an unpredictable car package.
Oscar Piastri confirmed upcoming discussions with McLaren about potential team orders for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Both Piastri and Lando Norris are technically still in contention for the Drivers' Championship against Max Verstappen, with McLaren CEO Zak Brown indicating a willingness to implement team orders if it clarifies a championship path for one driver.
George Russell revealed his radio message during Abu Dhabi GP qualifying was a strategic hint to Red Bull for a tow from Max Verstappen. Russell believed this would benefit Red Bull by placing more cars between Verstappen and Lando Norris in the championship fight. Despite over-pushing and struggling with car control in Q3, Russell, starting fourth, expects a tactical race where opportunities may arise if Verstappen tries to manage the McLarens.
Yuki Tsunoda compromised his Abu Dhabi Grand Prix qualifying performance to provide vital slipstreams for teammate Max Verstappen, helping him secure pole position. Now, Tsunoda is prepared to sacrifice his race strategy to further assist Verstappen's championship bid, showcasing Red Bull's full commitment to their title challenge.
McLaren team principal Andrea Stella has cautioned that Mercedes' George Russell and Ferrari's Charles Leclerc could significantly impact the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix title decider. Despite Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri starting P2 and P3, Stella warned that the midfield contenders, starting P4 and P5, are a considerable threat. With Norris needing a podium for his first championship, the race promises a complex multi-team battle beyond just Red Bull.
Max Verstappen has secured a crucial pole position for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, giving him a significant advantage in the final race of the season. He outpaced McLaren's Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, who qualified second and third, setting the stage for a dramatic championship showdown. Midfield teams like Sauber and Haas also showed impressive pace, while Lewis Hamilton had a disappointing Q1 exit.
Max Verstappen clinched pole in Abu Dhabi, but his manager, Raymond Vermeulen, noted the absence of Mercedes cars at the front, implying a desire for a direct rivalry with them. Despite praising Verstappen's 'textbook' qualifying, Vermeulen's comments highlight the symbolic importance of beating traditional rivals for Red Bull, even as McLaren emerges as a stronger challenger.
The 2025 F1 season culminates in Abu Dhabi with Max Verstappen on pole, flanked by championship rivals Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. Experts analyze Verstappen's surprise pole, Norris's 'nervy' Lap 1 prospects, and the potential for aggressive tactics. The race is set for a high-stakes showdown where the first few corners and strategic calls will be crucial in crowning the new world champion.
McLaren CEO Zak Brown wasn't surprised by Max Verstappen's blistering pole lap in Abu Dhabi, noting the four-time world champion's knack for delivering under pressure. With McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri lining up second and third, Brown affirmed his team's aggressive strategy to win the championship-deciding race, setting the stage for an 'epic' season finale.
Max Verstappen claimed a dominant pole position for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, placing him directly ahead of championship rival Lando Norris. Norris secured second, just narrowly beating McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri, setting up a thrilling championship showdown. All three title contenders will start from the first two rows, ensuring a high-stakes finale where strategic decisions and on-track performance will determine the 2024 F1 champion.
Max Verstappen secured pole position for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, setting the stage for an intense Formula 1 title decider. Lando Norris will start second, narrowly beating Oscar Piastri, placing both championship contenders on the front row. The session saw Verstappen's composure prevail, while surprises and tight margins defined the midfield, promising a thrilling race for the championship.
