For the entire qualifying session Max Verstappen continued to improve as if he was hinting to his direct rivals that tomorrow he will sell his skin dearly and do everything possible to take home his fifth consecutive world title. With a time of 1'22.207, Max Verstappen will start from pole position for the Abu Dhabi GP, the final round of a very long 2025 World Championship.
Behind him, within a fraction of a second, were the two McLarens of overall leader Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, while George Russell, first in Free Practice 3 but who put his Mercedes rear end out of line in the last useful attempt that cost him a few decisive tenths, could not go any better than fourth place.
Fifth but with a pretty bleak performance was Charles Leclerc, the only positive note of yet another Saturday playing catch-up for Ferrari that saw Lewis Hamilton again eliminated at Q1. The Englishman, unable to conclude his fastest lap, had to settle for a 16th position that was well below his station but unfortunately for him, in line with the performance of recent weekends.
In contrast, there was good news for Aston Martin, sixth with Fernando Alonso, as well as for Sauber, seventh with Gabriel Bortoleto who appeared very solid and consistent throughout the entire session.
Eighth was Esteban Ocon (Haas), ahead of the Racing Bulls of Isack Hadjar and the Red Bull of Yuki Tsunoda, finally in the top 10 in qualifying. Finally, 14th place for Italian Kimi Antonelli, eliminated in Q2 due to lack of rear grip, is worthy of note.
"Thanks to the lower temperatures it was possible for me to push harder. I am therefore very happy to be first. That's all I can do at the moment and that's what we can control," were the Dutchman's words.
"It was tough. Max did a good job, so kudos to him. I gave it my all, so I'm quite satisfied. Too bad I missed the pole in the last weekend of the championship, but what matters is tomorrow. Winning remains my goal," Lando reflected.
"The lap I did in Q1 allowed me to get into a rhythm and the one in Q3 was good as well. I don't think I could have given any more," was Oscar's comment.
Verstappen will be champion in Abu Dhabi if...
He wins and Norris finishes 4th or worse
He finishes 2nd, Norris 8th or worse and Piastri doesn't win
He finishes 3rd, Norris 9th or worse and Piastri doesn't win
For further details here is the link to Motorsport.com.
