Lando Norris provided McLaren with the greatest opportunity to clinch their first constructors’ championship since 1998 during the qualifying session for the concluding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, securing his eighth pole position of the year, while teammate Oscar Piastri ensured a McLaren front-row lockout. This achievement places Norris as the leading qualifier of the season, […]
Lando Norris provided McLaren with the greatest opportunity to clinch their first constructors’ championship since 1998 during the qualifying session for the concluding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, securing his eighth pole position of the year, while teammate Oscar Piastri ensured a McLaren front-row lockout.
This achievement places Norris as the leading qualifier of the season, tied on poles with Max Verstappen – who finished P5 – yet boasting a superior average starting position.
Carlos Sainz claimed P3 in his last outing for Ferrari – the sole team poised to contest McLaren for the title on Sunday, with the Scuderia currently trailing by 21 points – while Nico Hulkenberg delivered an impressive performance to secure P4 for Haas.
AS IT HAPPENED: All the highlights from qualifying for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Unfortunately, there was no fairytale conclusion for Lewis Hamilton in his 246th and final qualifying session with Mercedes, as the seven-time champion was knocked out in Q1 after facing significant traffic – along with an unexpected plastic bollard – on his last lap.
Check out the action from qualifying in the video above.
