Image: from Max Verstappen X@VerstappenCOM
By José Carlos Palma
Max Verstappen clinched the final pole position of the 2025 Formula 1 season during a thrilling qualifying session at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Saturday (December 6). The Red Bull driver set a blistering lap time of 1:22.207, securing his spot at the front of the grid for the race at Yas Marina Circuit.
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, both driving for McLaren, will start alongside Verstappen in second and third positions respectively, with just over a tenth of a second separating them from the pole sitter. George Russell (Mercedes) and Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) rounded out the top 5.
Here’s how the final qualifying session of the year unfolded:
Q1: Early Action with Surprising Eliminations
As the final qualifying session of the 2025 season began, drivers quickly got to work to secure their place in Q2. The first part of the session saw a few surprises as Franco Colapinto (Alpine) and Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) had their lap times invalidated for exceeding track limits. Despite this, Pierre Gasly (Alpine) and Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) were able to push through with respectable times.
As the session progressed, Oliver Bearman (Haas/Ferrari) set the fastest lap at 1:23.254, just 0.001s ahead of Oscar Piastri, while Max Verstappen was closely behind in 4th place.
Eliminations in Q1 were Hamilton, Alexander Albon (Williams), Nico Hülkenberg (Sauber), Pierre Gasly, and Franco Colapinto.
Q2: Verstappen Takes Charge as the Pace Quickens
In the second qualifying session, the pace intensified, with Verstappen setting a time of 1:22.912 to establish himself as the quickest driver early on. However, George Russell (Mercedes) soon took charge, recording a 1:22.730 to move to the top of the timesheets. Norris (McLaren) followed closely, with Oscar Piastri in 3rd place.
As the minutes ticked down, Russell remained at the top, followed by Verstappen, Norris, Alonso, and Bortoleto (Sauber/Ferrari) in the top 5. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) also managed to advance, securing a place in Q3.
Eliminations in Q2 included Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls), Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull), Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes), Oliver Bearman (Haas), and Carlos Sainz (Williams).
Q3: Verstappen Holds Firm for Final Pole of 2025 Season
With the final 12 minutes of qualifying underway, the drivers took to the track one last time to secure their starting positions for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Verstappen, using a fresh set of soft tires, immediately set the fastest lap of 1:22.207 to claim pole position.
Despite a late charge from his rivals, including Norris, who set a 1:22.408 and Piastri, who recorded 1:22.437, Verstappen held firm to secure the top spot on the grid. Russell could not improve on his time and was left in 4th, while Charles Leclerc completed the top 5.
In the closing minutes, Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) and Esteban Ocon (Haas/Ferrari) couldn’t match the top times, with Alonso finishing in 6th.
Final Top 10 Results from F1 2025 Abu Dhabi Qualifying:
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Max Verstappen (Red Bull/Honda RBPT) – 1:22.207
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Lando Norris (McLaren/Mercedes) – 1:22.408
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Oscar Piastri (McLaren/Mercedes) – 1:22.437
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George Russell (Mercedes) – 1:22.645
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Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 1:22.730
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Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin/Mercedes) – 1:22.902
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Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber/Ferrari) – 1:22.904
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Esteban Ocon (Haas/Ferrari) – 1:22.913
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Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls/Honda RBPT) – 1:23.072
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Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull/Honda RBPT) – No time set
Final Thoughts
Max Verstappen’s pole position is the perfect way to cap off a dominant season in Formula 1, as he heads into the race on Sunday looking to secure another victory. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will be eager to challenge him, with both McLaren drivers starting strong from the front row. As the lights go out for the final race of the season, all eyes will be on the battle between the Red Bull and McLaren drivers, with a dramatic showdown in store at Yas Marina.