The Formula 1 world championship showdown is on after Max Verstappen claimed a sensational pole position for the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. He’ll be alongside second-placed Lando Norris on the starting grid, with the final title contender, Oscar Piastri starting third.

Both of Verstappen’s laps at the final Q3 stage were fast enough for pole, and he ended two-tenths of a second faster than Norris. But the Red Bull driver will need more than victory: Norris must finish fourth or lower if Verstappen is to retain his championship.

George Russell looked like he could have split the title contenders if it wasn’t for a slide on the final turn of his last flying lap. He will start fourth, followed by Charles Leclerc and Fernando Alonso.

Further down the running order, Lewis Hamilton was once more eliminated in Q1, blaming himself for the result. He’ll only be two places behind Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli, with both drivers facing a fight to get into the points.

Scroll down or click to see how the grid will look when it lines up for the final round of the season. The world championship decider is due to start at 1pm GMT (5pm local time).

Despite playing down his chances of winning the title, Verstappen looked ecstatic at his pole position, while Norris admitted to disappointment at being beaten, even though he will be champion if he finishes where he starts.

Asked if his target was now to finish on the podium rather than take risks to win, he said: “I don’t know. The time will come to think of that but for now, disappointing.”

Q1 saw Lewis Hamilton eliminated at this stage for the third time in three races. He only just missed the cut in 16th position, in a car that he suggested had been improved.

“Every time mate, I’m so sorry,” he said over the radio when told of the result. He later said that the car felt “great” and nodded in agreement when asked by Sky Sports F1: “You can’t find it, that skill you’ve been known for?”