Max Verstappen has seized the spotlight yet again by clinching pole position for the thrilling finale of the 2025 Formula 1 season in the dazzling city of Abu Dhabi. The defending champion showcased his remarkable skill, clocking an impressive time of 1m22.207s after a sensational second lap, leaving his rivals in the dust. However, the stakes couldn’t be higher for Lando Norris, who heads into the race with the championship on the line. The McLaren star, currently leading the standings, will secure his first-ever title if he maintains his position or even slips to third behind his teammate Oscar Piastri.
Verstappen’s performance was nothing short of extraordinary. He initially set a blazing lap of 1m22.295s, already a pole-worthy time, before turning up the heat with his final effort. Utilizing a strategic tow from his teammate Yuki Tsunoda, Verstappen managed to assert his dominance, finishing three tenths ahead of the McLaren duo—both of whom struggled to match his pace on worn tires. Piastri had led the charge initially but ultimately fell short, finishing just 0.029s behind Norris, both drivers trailing Verstappen by two-tenths.
The McLaren drivers, while solid, faced a formidable challenge. Norris and Piastri’s attempts to dethrone the reigning champion were met with fierce resistance, but they remain in the hunt for glory. George Russell from Mercedes posed a fleeting threat, but his qualifying session was marred by mishaps, including a near-miss with the barriers. Ultimately, he settled for fourth, ahead of Charles Leclerc, who was taken aback by his own performance, managing to qualify despite grappling with a difficult SF25.
Fernando Alonso continued to showcase his veteran prowess, securing sixth place and outpacing teammate Lance Stroll across all qualifying events this season. The battle for supremacy in the midfield heated up with Gabriel Bortoleto from Sauber finishing a mere 0.002s behind Alonso, while Esteban Ocon in the Haas and Isack Hadjar rounded out the top contenders.
In a shocking twist, Lewis Hamilton suffered yet another disastrous Q1 exit, marking his third consecutive failure to advance. The seven-time world champion faced a heart-wrenching setback as he fell short of reaching Q2, expressing his frustration over the radio. Hamilton’s struggles highlight a challenging season at Ferrari, raising questions about his future in the sport.
As the tension mounts ahead of Sunday’s race, all eyes will be on Norris, who stands on the brink of making history. Can he hold off the relentless pressure from Verstappen and secure that coveted championship, or will the Dutchman once again prove unstoppable? The stage is set for a dramatic showdown in Abu Dhabi that promises to deliver heart-stopping action and unforgettable moments as the 2025 Formula 1 title hangs in the balance.









