Verstappen Takes Crucial Pole for Abu Dhabi Title Decider as Piastri Secures Third in Season Finale

Sports

Max Verstappen delivered a statement performance when the pressure was at its peak, taking pole position for the final race of the 2025 Formula 1 season at Yas Marina Circuit. With the championship on the line, Verstappen produced his cleanest and most decisive qualifying lap of the year, securing the ideal starting spot for Sunday’s title showdown.

The front row will be shared by his championship rival Lando Norris, who pushed hard throughout Q3 and momentarily held provisional pole before Verstappen’s flying lap snatched it away. The tiny margin separating the pair promises a fierce wheel-to-wheel battle as the season reaches its climax.

A standout performance came from Oscar Piastri, who will start from third after a brilliantly controlled qualifying run. The McLaren driver found strong pace in the final sector and delivered his most complete Saturday of the season, placing both McLarens directly behind Verstappen in the decisive grid formation.

Behind the top three, Mercedes had a more mixed session. George Russell finished fourth after narrowly missing out on the second row, while teammate Kimi Antonelli secured fifth with a composed and confident showing in his first Abu Dhabi finale. Ferrari endured a turbulent evening as Lewis Hamilton managed only seventh after still feeling the effects of his Friday crash, and Charles Leclerc placed eighth.

Track evolution played a major role, with each run becoming faster as temperatures fell and grip improved. Teams had just one true chance in the final minutes to deliver the perfect lap, and Verstappen’s execution under championship pressure proved decisive.

All eyes now turn to the title decider. Verstappen leads the field from pole, Norris will launch from second with everything to fight for, and Piastri sits poised in third ready to influence the battle. The 2025 world championship will be decided in a direct, uncompromising fight at the final race of the season, with tension and drama guaranteed when the lights go out.