We have reached the moment of truth. After 23 rounds and countless twists, the 2025 Formula 1 drivers’ championship will be decided under the Yas Marina lights. Join us for live lap-by-lap coverage of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix – the race that crowns the champion.
Max Verstappen delivered a qualifying masterclass on Saturday, snatching pole position with a stunning 1:22.207 – two tenths clear of title rival Lando Norris. Oscar Piastri lines up third, just 29 thousandths behind his McLaren team-mate, keeping his own mathematical hopes alive.
Lando Norris knows the job is simple on paper: finish third or better and the title is his, regardless of where Max Verstappen ends up. The Dutch driver needs to win and hope for trouble ahead. Oscar Piastri needs a miracle – victory plus a lot of chaos.
George Russell starts fourth and could play kingmaker, while Charles Leclerc once again dragged the struggling Ferrari to a strong fifth – a full grid ahead of team-mate Lewis Hamilton, who suffered another Q1 exit.
The race starts at 17:00 local time (14:00 CET). Lights out in Abu Dhabi – this is going to be epic.
How Saturday qualifying unfolded
Cooler conditions and a rapidly evolving track made Saturday one of the tightest qualifying sessions of the year. Verstappen’s final lap was a masterpiece, beating Norris by 0.201 seconds despite the McLaren looking favourite after Friday practice.
Russell survived two huge moments to secure fourth for Mercedes, while Charles Leclerc produced another heroic performance to put the underperforming Ferrari fifth. Hamilton’s difficult weekend continued with elimination in Q1 – his fourth straight knockout.
Everything is set for one of the most anticipated title deciders in years. Stay with us for live updates from the moment the five red lights go out.
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