F1 2025 Abu Dhabi GP Qualifying: Verstappen Claims the Final Pole of the Season
The final qualifying session of the 2025 Formula 1 season delivered high drama under the bright lights of Yas Marina. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen secured the last pole position of the year, while McLaren duo Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri completed the top three with competitive performances.
As the pit lane light turned green, drivers rushed onto the track for their final qualifying runs of the season. Lewis Hamilton and Pierre Gasly opted for medium tyres, choosing a different strategy from the majority, who headed out on softs.
Q1: Strong Pace from Piastri, Big Names Knocked Out
George Russell set the first benchmark with a 1:23.247, closely followed by Oliver Bearman. But it was Oscar Piastri who stole the spotlight, recording a 1:22.605 to top the first session. Verstappen finished second, and rookie Kimi Antonelli took an impressive third.
Among the surprises of Q1 were the eliminated drivers: Lewis Hamilton, Alex Albon, Nico Hülkenberg and both Alpine drivers failed to advance.
Q2: Russell Leads, Verstappen and Norris Follow
Max Verstappen kicked off Q2 with the first flying lap, but George Russell responded strongly with a 1:22.730 to take the lead. Verstappen and Norris settled into second and third.
No one could improve enough to unseat Russell, who ended Q2 in front. Alonso, Bortoleto, Leclerc, Hadjar, Piastri, Ocon and Tsunoda completed the top ten. Bearman, Sainz, Lawson, Antonelli and Stroll were eliminated.
Q3: Verstappen Dominates with Purple Sectors
All eyes were on Max Verstappen as he took to the track first in Q3. His initial 1:22.295 secured the top spot, with Piastri and Norris close behind. Russell delivered a heart-stopping moment when he nearly brushed the barriers.
In the final runs, Verstappen delivered a stunning lap featuring purple sectors in the first two segments, stopping the clock at 1:22.207. This earned him the last pole position of the 2025 season. Norris finished second, just 0.096 behind, while Piastri secured third.
George Russell claimed fourth, followed by Charles Leclerc in fifth.
The stage is now set for an exciting season finale, with the 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix scheduled on Sunday.
