The 2025 Formula 1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix starting grid has been finalized with Max Verstappen securing pole position ahead of McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in a title-deciding showdown.
Verstappen edged Norris by just 0.201 seconds, positioning the Dutch driver perfectly on the front row as he trails the championship leader by 12 points entering the season finale.
Norris only needs a podium of any kind to claim the title, even if Verstappen wins, whilst if that does happen, Verstappen needs Norris to finish fourth or lower.
For Piastri, he needs to finish either first or second, with a win meaning it does not matter where Verstappen finishes, and Norris needing to be sixth or lower.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Qualifying: As it happened
2025 F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix starting grid
| Pos | Driver | Team |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull |
| 2 | Lando Norris | McLaren |
| 3 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren |
| 4 | George Russell | Mercedes |
| 5 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari |
| 6 | Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin |
| 7 | Gabriel Bortoleto | Sauber |
| 8 | Esteban Ocon | Haas |
| 9 | Isack Hadjar | Racing Bulls |
| 10 | Yuki Tsunoda | Red Bull |
| 11 | Oliver Bearman | Haas |
| 12 | Carlos Sainz | Williams |
| 13 | Liam Lawson | Racing Bulls |
| 14 | Kimi Antonelli | Mercedes |
| 15 | Lance Stroll | Aston Martin |
| 16 | Lewis Hamilton | Ferrari |
| 17 | Alex Albon | Williams |
| 18 | Nico Hulkenberg | Sauber |
| 19 | Pierre Gasly | Alpine |
| 20 | Franco Colapinto | Alpine |
READ MORE:
How Verstappen can win the 2025 F1 Championship in Abu Dhabi
Full 2026 F1 driver line-up: Who will be on the grid next season?
