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The Independent UK

Kieran Jackson

F1 Abu Dhabi GP live: Race start time before tantalising title decider with Verstappen on pole ahead of Norris

F1 Lando Norris Max Verstappen McLaren Abu Dhabi Oscar Piastri Abu Dhabi GP Jack Rathborn Red Bull

Max Verstappen claimed a brilliant pole position at the F1 season finale in Abu Dhabi but his title rivals Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri are right up there with the irrepressible Dutchman on Sunday’s grid.

Verstappen, who trails Norris by 12 points, set two laps in Q3 worthy of top spot on the leaderboard, with the McLaren of Norris trailing by 0.201 seconds at the end.

Piastri will start in third, setting up an intriguing grid for tomorrow’s 58-lap race around the Yas Marina Circuit. George Russell will start fourth on the grid, with Charles Leclerc in fifth.

Norris only needs a podium to claim his first title but if he drops to fourth or lower, a victory for Verstappen would seal his fifth consecutive championship and complete the most remarkable of comebacks from a 104-point deficit in the summer. Piastri needs to win and hope teammate Norris finishes sixth or lower.

Follow all the latest updates from the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with The Independent:

Lewis Hamilton reveals ‘anger and rage’ after desperate Ferrari F1 campaign

F1 grid: Starting positions for Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

What does Max Verstappen need to win the 2025 F1 world championship in Abu Dhabi?

F1 2025: Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday is at 1pm (GMT)
POLE! Max Verstappen takes pole as Lando Norris pips Oscar Piastri to second on the grid
STANDINGS: Norris leads Verstappen by 12 points with the title at stake; Piastri is 16 points off top
Lewis Hamilton reveals ‘anger and rage’ after desperate Ferrari F1 campaign
COMMENT: Norris can play it down all he likes – an F1 world title would put him among the elite

What time is the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?

Saturday 6 December 2025 18:59 , Kieran Jackson

The season-finale at the Yas Marina Circuit is at 1pm (GMT).

McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri with pole sitter Max Verstappen (David Davies/PA) (PA Wire)

Fernando Alonso, who qualified sixth:

08:30 , Kieran Jackson

“Extremely happy to finish Qualifying in P6. I am surprised by such a strong result on a circuit with so many low-speed corners, but it is clear the setup changes we made overnight worked well.

“Hopefully we can maintain this pace tomorrow and continue building momentum throughout the weekend. The aim is to secure some valuable points in the final race of the season."

What is the starting grid?

07:59 , Lawrence Ostlere

Here’s how they will start in Abu Dhabi today

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. Ollie 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

19. Nico Hulkenberg - Sauber

19. Pierre Gasly - Alpine

20. Franco Colapinto - Alpine

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella:

07:00 , Kieran Jackson

“We’re now in a strong position to fight for the Championship tomorrow. We are aware that we’re not alone with very competitive drivers starting beside us on the first and second row.

“However, as a team, it is in our hands. We will make sure we maintain this strong position and execute our preparation at the highest level to be in condition to ensure the reward goes to a papaya driver at the Chequered Flag.”

Norris wary of 'complicated' race

06:00 , Lawrence Ostlere

Lando Norris tells Sky Sports: "There's no point thinking about it too much. I will sit with my guys and girls and see how we can best prepare for tomorrow and prepare for every eventuality.

"Our goal is to try and win the race. That's our mindset. It won't be a simple one, probably the most complicated race I might have.

"I don't need to take any risks and hopefully I can use that to my advantage. I'm hoping we can be a bit quicker tomorrow, otherwise, Red Bull were too quick."

George Russell, who starts in fourth:

05:00 , Kieran Jackson

“Tomorrow's race will be interesting with the three title contenders starting ahead of us. On ultimate pace, I don't believe that our race is with them but there could be some strategic implications of that battle that open opportunities for us.

“We will be considering every eventuality that can help us gain positions and ultimately bring home the points we need to secure P2 in the Constructors' Championship. That is our only focus for tomorrow and, if we can do that, we can end the season on a high.”

Charles Leclerc, who started P5:

04:00 , Kieran Jackson

“I’m satisfied with my lap in Q3 and I don’t think there was much more to extract today. I feel that our team has done a really good job in turning things around this weekend. We made some changes on the set-up between FP2 and FP3, and if paid off.

“I’m looking forward to the race tomorrow, to see if the changes we made will also help us to get ahead in the race. We can’t get our hopes up too high, because the cars ahead are very fast. It’s up to us to maximise our result tomorrow, and I’ll do my best to take action at the start and hope to bring home a last podium for our whole team this season.”

Charles Leclerc starts in fifth (PA Wire)

Lewis Hamilton on drivers' end-of-season dinner:

03:00 , Kieran Jackson

“Class of 2025. We’re the only people in the world to do what we do and for that we’re incredibly lucky. I’m grateful for this group of drivers I have the privilege of racing against and even though we’re competitors, there’s nothing but respect and I’m proud to call them friends.

“Hope to give you all a great last race of the season.”

The F1 drivers gather for their 2025 end-of-season dinner (Instagram - lewishamilton)

ANALYSIS: The three F1 title finales that show why Lando Norris is far from safe in Abu Dhabi

01:00 , Kieran Jackson

Sweeping across the Gulf to Abu Dhabi, host of Formula One’s season finale for 12 consecutive years, Lando Norris really should be home and dry by now. Without those Las Vegas disqualifications a fortnight ago, Max Verstappen would be out of the running. Without last week’s mistakes in Qatar, McLaren could rest easy in the knowledge that the drivers’ champion would, at the very least, be donning papaya colours. Yet here we are; on we go.

This weekend’s three-way fight in the desert is the first F1 championship-decider involving more than two drivers for 15 years. Back then, a four-way hammer-and-tong concluded with a surprise champion at the chequered flag: Sebastian Vettel’s first of four triumphs, and other shock winners before him on the final day, are telling case studies for Sunday’s final curtain call.

More below:

The three F1 title finales that show why Lando Norris is far from safe in Abu Dhabi

British F1 world champions

00:00 , Kieran Jackson

Can Norris join this special list?

Mike Hawthorn (1958)
Graham Hill (1962, 1968)
Jim Clark (1963, 1965)
John Surtees (1964)2)
Sir Jackie Stewart (1969, 1971, 1973)
James Hunt (1976)
Nigel Mansell (1992)
Damon Hill (1996)
Lewis Hamilton (2008, 2014, 2015, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020)
Jenson Button (2009)

F1 2025 season awards: Why Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari is by far the biggest disappointment

Saturday 6 December 2025 23:00 , Kieran Jackson

The F1 drivers’ championship comes down to the final race in Abu Dhabi this weekend, with Lando Norris primed for a maiden title and hoping to fend off Red Bull’s four-time champion Max Verstappen and McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri.

While the drama has been at the front of the grid, the woeful year for Ferrari, and in particular Lewis Hamilton, has been a painful storyline for fans of the seven-time world champion and the Scuderia.

The reshuffle for the grid in 2026 is now set, too, with Isack Hadjar’s rise at Red Bull and a debut campaign awaiting British teenager Arvid Lindblad.

While 2026 also signals the return of Adrian Newey as the new team principal at Aston Martin F1, taking over from Andy Cowell.

Here’s how everything went down in 2025 with Independent Sport’s picks:

F1 2025 season awards including why Hamilton is biggest disappointment

Full starting grid for Abu Dhabi GP:

Saturday 6 December 2025 22:00 , Kieran Jackson

Verstappen (Red Bull)
Norris (McLaren)
Piastri (McLaren)
Russell (Mercedes)
Leclerc (Ferrari)
Alonso (Aston Martin)
Bortoleto (Sauber)
Ocon (Haas)
Hadjar (RB)
Tsunoda (Red Bull)
Oliver Bearman (Haas)
Carlos Sainz (Williams)
Liam Lawson (RB)
Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
Alex Albon (Williams)
Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber)
Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
Franco Colapinto (Alpine)

I will try and win, insists Norris

Saturday 6 December 2025 21:00 , Lawrence Ostlere

Norris will be assured of his first world title if he finishes third regardless of where Verstappen ends Sunday's decisive 58-lap in the desert.

But Norris is set for a restless night with Verstappen, 12 points behind in the standings, holding the advantage heading into the decider and team-mate Piastri, 16 points adrift, alongside him in third.

Asked if he will be happy to settle for third place on Sunday, Norris said: "The time will come on that, but for now I am disappointed not to be on pole. I will try and win tomorrow and that is the goal.

"It is tough. Max did a good job so congrats to him. I thought my lap was pretty good. I am disappointed not to be on pole but we were not fast enough today so we have to go again tomorrow."

Norris leaves the pit lane during in qualifying (AFP via Getty Images)

Lewis Hamilton reveals ‘anger and rage’ after desperate Ferrari F1 campaign

Saturday 6 December 2025 19:59 , Kieran Jackson

Lewis Hamilton said he was full of “anger and rage” after another desperate qualifying performance for the seven-time world champion.

The 40-year-old, who has endured a torrid debut season for Ferrari, was knocked out in Q1 for the third consecutive race and will start Sunday’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix in 16th place.

Hamilton, who is now set for his first season without a podium, has been out-qualified by teammate Charles Leclerc (who qualified fifth in Abu Dhabi) on 19 out of 24 occasions.

Full quotes below:

Lewis Hamilton reveals ‘anger and rage’ after desperate Ferrari F1 campaign

Lando Norris told to be ‘prudent’ by McLaren boss ahead of F1 title showdown

Saturday 6 December 2025 18:45 , Kieran Jackson

“From Lando’s point of view, considering the inside at turn one in Abu Dhabi, I think he should just be relatively prudent,” Stella said, in his written media session on Saturday night.

“It is not one of those where from the inside you necessarily get the better exit, the car on the outside can be close. So I think there will be some prudency, which is what I would recommend.

“Lando is in a very strong position. I think that's the approach, also in terms of the options that Max has available to try.

“Honestly, I'm not too worried. We will see, you know, some interesting racing, but I'm sure all this will happen within the boundaries of sportsmanship and fairness.”

F1 driver standings

Saturday 6 December 2025 17:52 , Lawrence Ostlere

1. Lando Norris (McLaren) – 408 points

2. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – 396 points

3. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 392 points

4. George Russell (Mercedes) – 309 points

5. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 230 points

6. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – 152 points

7. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – 152 points

8. Alex Albon (Williams) – 73 points

9. Carlos Sainz (Williams) – 64 points

10. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) – 51 points

11. Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber) - 49 points

12. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) – 48 points

13. Ollie Bearman (Haas) – 41 points

14. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) – 38 points

15. Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull) – 33 points

16. Esteban Ocon (Haas) – 32 points

17. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) – 32 points

18. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) – 22 points

19. Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber) – 19 points

20. Franco Colapinto (Alpine) – 0 points

21. Jack Doohan (Alpine) – 0 points

How can Piastri win the title?

Saturday 6 December 2025 17:35 , Lawrence Ostlere

Norris has a 12-point lead over Verstappen, who is now in second place. Piastri is a further four points back, 16 off his teammate.

It is a normal race weekend in Abu Dhabi. Therefore, Norris will win the world championship if he finishes on the podium at the Yas Marina Circuit. A minimum third place (15 points) in Abu Dhabi would give Norris an unassailable 27-point lead.

Piastri has a difficult task now. Put simply: he needs to score 17 more points than Norris and five more points than Verstappen to guarantee the title. At a minimum, he must finish in second place or higher to have a chance.

How to watch the race

Saturday 6 December 2025 17:17 , Lawrence Ostlere

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be broadcast live on Sky Sports in the UK. Sky’s coverage of the race starts at 11:30am (GMT), ahead of the race itself at 1pm.

Russell hoping for 'opportunity' amid title race

Saturday 6 December 2025 16:28 , Lawrence Ostlere

Here’s George Russell, speaking to Sky Sports: "My mood is the same as any other race. I know what's on the line for those three but I will treat it like a normal race.

"In normal circumstances we don't have the pace. But, obviously, if Lap 1 finishes in the same order we start in, I can't imagine Max will drive off into the sunset. There could be opportunity.

"I will be doing my own thing and go from there. I won't risk more or less. I will go about my business as normal."

I have 'unbearable amount of anger', admits Hamilton

Saturday 6 December 2025 16:15 , Lawrence Ostlere

Lewis Hamilton has said strong words to Sky Italia: "I don't have the words to describe the feeling I have inside [me]. An unbearable amount of anger and rage. There's not much I can say about it."

Hamilton's F1 woes continue

Saturday 6 December 2025 16:03 , Lawrence Ostlere

He begun Q1 with a lap he said "felt good" but ended it apologising to his team when Sauber's Gabriel Bortoleto progressed to Q2 and sent Hamilton for an early bath.

"Every time, mate, I am so sorry," said Hamilton on the radio. Hamilton finished two-and-a-half tenths behind team-mate Charles Leclerc who qualified 11 places ahead of him in fifth.

In his debut season in red, Hamilton has been out-qualified by Leclerc 19 times in 24 appearances.

Hamilton's F1 woes continue

Saturday 6 December 2025 15:49 , Lawrence Ostlere

Lewis Hamilton is set to finish a season without a single podium for the first time in his career after he suffered a hat-trick of Q1 eliminations.

Twentieth and last in Las Vegas, 17th in Qatar and now 16th here. These are oh-so desperate times for a man who was once the master.

Hamilton's latest setback came after he crashed out of final practice and suffered significant damage to the front of his Ferrari.

Hamilton's mechanics won the short race against time to repair his car but the 40-year-old might have been better off staying in his garage.

Lewis Hamilton endured a tough day in Abu Dahbi (Getty Images)

Summary: Verstappen beats Norris to pole

Saturday 6 December 2025 15:26 , Lawrence Ostlere

Lando Norris will start his quest to be crowned champion of the world from second on the grid after Max Verstappen put his Red Bull on pole position with a magical qualifying lap in Abu Dhabi.

Verstappen danced his way round the 21 corners of the Yas Marina Circuit to finish his first run in the decisive Q3 0.327 seconds faster than Oscar Piastri and nearly half-a-second clear of Norris.

Although the McLaren pair improved with their final laps, Norris clearing Piastri to move on to the front row, it was Verstappen who went faster again.

In the end, he finished 0.201 sec clear of Norris with Piastri 0.230 sec back. It means the three world championship contenders will be line astern on Sunday.

Verstappen delivered two stunning laps in Q3 (David Davies/PA) (PA Wire)

Abu Dhabi GP qualifying – live

Saturday 6 December 2025 15:14 , Lawrence Ostlere

Here are the qualifying results in full:

Verstappen (Red Bull)
Norris (McLaren)
Piastri (McLaren)
Russell (Mercedes)
Leclerc (Ferrari)
Alonso (Aston Martin)
Bortoleto (Sauber)
Ocon (Haas)
Hadjar (RB)
Tsunoda (Red Bull)
Oliver Bearman (Haas)
Carlos Sainz (Williams)
Liam Lawson (RB)
Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes)
Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari)
Alex Albon (Williams)
Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber)
Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
Franco Colapinto (Alpine)

Abu Dhabi GP qualifying – live

Saturday 6 December 2025 15:11 , Lawrence Ostlere

Lando Norris reacts to clinching P2 on the grid: “We did everything we could so I was pretty happy. Disappointed not to be on pole but we just weren’t quick enough today.”

He initially avoids answering whether he’s going for a win or just the podium he needs to secure a maiden world title, but then adds – “I want to win the race.”

Abu Dhabi GP qualifying – live

Saturday 6 December 2025 15:09 , Lawrence Ostlere

Max Verstappen reacts to clinching pole: “In Q2 I stayed on scrub tyres, so that was an important. Incredibly happy to be on pole. That’s all we can do, right?”

Abu Dhabi GP qualifying – live

Saturday 6 December 2025 15:07 , Lawrence Ostlere

Here are the top 10 after qualifying:

Verstappen (Red Bull)
Norris (McLaren)
Piastri (McLaren)
Russell (Mercedes)
Leclerc (Ferrari)
Alonso (Aston Martin)
Bortoleto (Sauber)
Ocon (Haas)
Hadjar (RB)
Tsunoda (Red Bull)

Verstappen takes pole at Abu Dhabi!

Saturday 6 December 2025 15:03 , Lawrence Ostlere

Max Verstappen clinches pole! But Lando Norris will be delighted to pip his McLaren teammate Oscar Piastri to second place.

Abu Dhabi GP qualifying – live

Saturday 6 December 2025 15:01 , Lawrence Ostlere

Piastri and Norris match each other in the first sector but Verstappen is faster...

Abu Dhabi GP qualifying – live

Saturday 6 December 2025 15:00 , Lawrence Ostlere

Out they all go for the final laps of qualifying this season...

Abu Dhabi GP qualifying – live

Saturday 6 December 2025 14:58 , Lawrence Ostlere

Four minutes left of Q3 and the cars are back in the shed getting ready for the final shootout here.

Behind the front three, it’s currently Leclerc, Russell, Bortoleto, Alonso, Hadjar, Ocon and Tsunoda.

Abu Dhabi GP qualifying – live

Saturday 6 December 2025 14:56 , Lawrence Ostlere

Tsunoda helped Verstappen with a tow down the back straight, it should be said. The world champion is .327 quicker than Piastri, with Norris a further tenth back...

Abu Dhabi GP qualifying – live

Saturday 6 December 2025 14:55 , Lawrence Ostlere

Verstappen is quickly to the top of the lap times with a 1:22.295 – he is one of very few drivers with two sets of new tyres to play with, so he’s out on fresh rubber while most of the rest of the field are on old tyres.

Piastri and Norris are second and third respectively with seven minutes to go...

Q3 is underway!

Saturday 6 December 2025 14:50 , Lawrence Ostlere

Here we go, then. The battle for pole is on!

Mekies: 'Anything can happen'

Saturday 6 December 2025 14:50 , Lawrence Ostlere

Red Bull team principal Laurent Mekies speaks to Sky Sports ahead of Q3: “I don’t think I remember such a tight grid, it’s three tenths P1-P10 now. Anything can happen but there will be a few cars in the mix for pole, for sure.”

Tsunoda safe

Saturday 6 December 2025 14:48 , Kieran Jackson

End of Q2

Saturday 6 December 2025 14:44 , Lawrence Ostlere

Russell, Verstappen, Norris, Alonso, Bortoleto, Leclerc, Hadjar, Piastri, Ocon and Tsunoda were the top 10 in Q2, and they go through to Q3 for the shootout to win pole...

End of Q2

Saturday 6 December 2025 14:43 , Lawrence Ostlere

Bearman (Haas), Sainz (Williams), Lawson (RB), Antonelli (Mercedes) and Stroll (Aston Martin) are eliminated!

Abu Dhabi GP qualifying – live

Saturday 6 December 2025 14:37 , Lawrence Ostlere

All 15 cars are back in the pits, with four minutes to go in this Q2. Hadjar, Tsunoda, Antonelli, Bearman and Lawson are the bottom five right now...

Abu Dhabi GP qualifying – live

Saturday 6 December 2025 14:33 , Lawrence Ostlere

With eight minutes to go in Q2, it’s George Russell leading Max Verstappen at the top of the standings, ahead of the Aston Martins, Alonso and Stroll.

Piastri and Norris are yet to record times...

Abu Dhabi GP qualifying – live

Saturday 6 December 2025 14:31 , Lawrence Ostlere

Verstappen’s time of 1:22.912 is half a tenth own on his Q1 lap. He’s on used tyres and he’ll be back out later with fresh ones...

Q2 is underway!

Saturday 6 December 2025 14:26 , Lawrence Ostlere

Green light, and Max Verstappen is straight back out on the track. The McLarens bide their time...

End of Q1

Saturday 6 December 2025 14:25 , Lawrence Ostlere

“Big lap, very big lap,” says Zak Brown, of Oscar Piastri’s rapid time at the top of the Q1 standings, speaking to Sky Sports. Brown adds that Norris was a little messy in his effort.

Hamilton out in Q1

Saturday 6 December 2025 14:24 , Kieran Jackson

End of Q1

Saturday 6 December 2025 14:23 , Lawrence Ostlere

The five drivers eliminated after Q1:

Hamilton (Ferrari)Albon (Williams)Hulkenberg (Sauber)Gasly (Alpine)Colapinto (Alpine)

Lewis Hamilton eliminted in Q1

Saturday 6 December 2025 14:20 , Lawrence Ostlere

Disaster for Hamilton! He suffers from a messy final sector while others didn’t, and they bump him down to that dreaded 16th spot. He’s out of qualifying at the first hurdle.

“I’m so sorry,” he says over radio.

Abu Dhabi GP qualifying – live

Saturday 6 December 2025 14:19 , Lawrence Ostlere

Leclerc leaps out of the bottom five and safely into Q2. Gasly thought he’d done the same, but Stroll knocked him back down to 16th at the last!

Abu Dhabi GP qualifying – live

Saturday 6 December 2025 14:17 , Lawrence Ostlere

Here we go then: Leclerc needs a solid lap on the softs to avoid elimination.

Norris has just set the fastest time of Q1... but a moment later, Piastri beats it by half a second! Wow.

Abu Dhabi GP qualifying – live

Saturday 6 December 2025 14:14 , Lawrence Ostlere

Almost every car is back in the shed ahead of the final five minutes of Q1. Right now, the drivers in the bottom five are Ocon, Albon, Leclerc, Gasly and Colapinto.

Abu Dhabi GP qualifying – live

Saturday 6 December 2025 14:11 , Lawrence Ostlere

Charles Leclerc is down in P18 right now after a couple of laps on the medium tyre, which is clearly the slower compound. He’s back in the pits for a change to the softs...

Abu Dhabi GP qualifying – live

Saturday 6 December 2025 14:08 , Lawrence Ostlere

Verstappen sets an early marker with a 1:23.325 on the soft tyre, though only a handful of drivers have recorded times in Q1 so far. Ten minutes left and the McLarens are both out on the track now...

Abu Dhabi GP qualifying – live

Saturday 6 December 2025 14:05 , Lawrence Ostlere

“Felt like a decent lap,” Hamilton says over radio after his first on the medium tyres.

Abu Dhabi GP qualifying – live

Saturday 6 December 2025 14:04 , Lawrence Ostlere

Lewis Hamilton is straight out on to the track after that practice crash, but most of the rest of the field are taking their time and are still waiting in the pits.

Qualifying is underway!

Saturday 6 December 2025 14:02 , Lawrence Ostlere

Green light, and Q1 has begun.

Qualifying is 5 minutes away

Saturday 6 December 2025 13:57 , Kieran Jackson

The moment is now, then.

Lando Norris has been quickest in two out of three practice sessions and goes into qualifying as the favourite for pole.

Max Verstappen has been right on his heels, with Oscar Piastri in contention too. And can anyone else - George Russell, perhaps - challenge the title protagonists.

The last 10 races in Abu Dhabi have been won from the front of the grid, making qualifying of the utmost importance today.

Who will grab pole?! We’re about to find out.

Lando Norris heads into the garage

Saturday 6 December 2025 13:47 , Kieran Jackson

This is the most important qualifying session in Lando Norris’s career.

The 26-year-old is looking calm as he enters the garage. A reminder: all he needs is a podium tomorrow to clinch his maiden title.

A strong qualifying session will go some way to sealing that...

Full F1 driver standings heading into Abu Dhabi GP:

Saturday 6 December 2025 13:40 , Kieran Jackson

1. Lando Norris (McLaren) – 408 points

2. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) – 396 points

3. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) – 392 points

4. George Russell (Mercedes) – 309 points

5. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 230 points

6. Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) – 152 points

7. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) – 152 points

8. Alex Albon (Williams) – 73 points

9. Carlos Sainz (Williams) – 64 points

10. Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) – 51 points

11. Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber) - 49 points

12. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) – 48 points

13. Ollie Bearman (Haas) – 41 points

14. Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) – 38 points

15. Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull) – 33 points

16. Esteban Ocon (Haas) – 32 points

17. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) – 32 points

18. Pierre Gasly (Alpine) – 22 points

19. Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber) – 19 points

20. Franco Colapinto (Alpine) – 0 points

21. Jack Doohan (Alpine) – 0 points

Norris's message to Piastri in Thursday press conference:

Saturday 6 December 2025 13:36 , Kieran Jackson

With Norris needing just a podium, would Piastri simply move aside if instructed by his team on Sunday?

Piastri, smiling as the inevitable question was asked ten minutes in, placed an early serve in the team’s court. “It’s not something we’ve discussed,” said the cool-headed Australian. “I don’t have an answer until I know what’s expected of me.”

Norris said: “It’s up to Oscar if he’d allow it, it’s not down to me,”

“Would I be willing to [cede position for a title] or not? Personally, I would – that’s how I am. I’m not going to ask for it as I don’t think it’s a fair question.

“But if that’s how it ends and Max wins, well done to him, we go to next year. It won’t change my life.”

Lando Norris can play it down all he likes – F1 title would be life-changing

Saturday 6 December 2025 13:30 , Kieran Jackson

By Kieran Jackson in Abu Dhabi

Lando Norris, leader by 12 points, did his best to defuse the enormity of the occasion. “It’s the same as every weekend, nothing changes,” he began. Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri, flanking the Briton on either side, echoed a similar sentiment. This was all their years of media training at the most simplistic level.

Moments later, a Brazilian reporter couldn’t help but remark: “You all say it’s a normal weekend but, well... it’s not.” This seemed the appropriate cut-through moment.

Full piece below:

Norris can play it down all he likes – an F1 title would put him among the elite

NEW: Aston Martin fined

Saturday 6 December 2025 13:09 , Kieran Jackson

Aston Martin has been handed two €25,000 fines (€15,000 suspended per fine), after Fernando Alonso and Lance Stroll missed a fan commitment on Friday.

Both drivers were absent from the Friday Fan Engagement session in Abu Dhabi.

George Russell: ‘McLaren must accept fate and not interfere in F1 title race’

Saturday 6 December 2025 12:48 , Kieran Jackson

“If they’re in the position that Max is on course to win, and Oscar can allow Lando… I wouldn’t want to win a championship because my teammate has pulled over, especially if he’s been my rival that year.

“When it’s clearly someone who’s been a number two all season, I think that’s fine. I don’t think it’s right at this stage to do any team orders; you’ve just got to accept fate.”

Asked what he’d do if put in Piastri’s potentially difficult position, Russell joked: “It’s easier to unplug the radio!”

More below:

George Russell: ‘McLaren must accept fate and not interfere in F1 title race’

F1 constructor standings in full:

Saturday 6 December 2025 12:40 , Kieran Jackson

1. McLaren - 800 points (champions)

2. Mercedes - 459 points

3. Red Bull - 426 points

4. Ferrari - 382 points

5. Williams - 137 points

6. Racing Bulls - 92 points

7. Aston Martin - 80 points

8. Haas - 73 points

9. Sauber - 68 points

10. Alpine - 22 points

COMMENT: Max Verstappen is laughing at McLaren – how many warnings do they need?

Saturday 6 December 2025 12:28 , Kieran Jackson

For all the smugness radiating off the face of Max Verstappen and, by the same token, the fumes of red mist emitting from furious McLaren duo Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, perhaps the first words should go to the true winner of the Qatar Grand Prix: Red Bull’s cool-headed strategy chief, Hannah Schmitz.

For it was Schmitz, the 40-year-old Cambridge-educated engineer, who made the critical call amid yellow flags and muddled thinking on Sunday night. On lap seven, a crash and a safety car created a door of opportunity. Red Bull, and every other team on the grid for that matter, walked straight through. McLaren, however, turned a blind eye.

More below:

Max Verstappen is laughing at McLaren F1 – how many more warnings do they need?

McLaren F1 boss Zak Brown will use team orders in Abu Dhabi: ‘We’d be crazy not to’

Saturday 6 December 2025 12:15 , Kieran Jackson

McLaren CEO Zak Brown says the team will implement team orders if required in order to stop Max Verstappen winning the F1 world championship on Sunday.

The papaya-clad team, who wrapped up the constructors’ title in October, have opted against prioritising either Norris or Piastri throughout the season. However, in a change of approach, Brown has now acknowledged that McLaren will intervene in Sunday’s race in order to seal the drivers’ title.

Full quotes below:

McLaren F1 boss Zak Brown will use team orders in Abu Dhabi: ‘We’d be crazy not to’

Top-10 in FP3

Saturday 6 December 2025 11:58 , Kieran Jackson

1. George Russell (Mercedes) - 1:23.334

2. Lando Norris (McLaren) +0.004

3. Max Verstappen (Red Bull) +0.124

4. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) +0.251

5. Oscar Piastri (McLaren) +0.259

6. Esteban Ocon (Haas) +0.271

7. Oliver Bearman (Haas) +0.275

8. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) +0.341

9. Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) +0.373

10. Alex Albon (Williams) +0.388

What time is qualifying?

Saturday 6 December 2025 11:40 , Kieran Jackson

Qualifying for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is at 2pm (GMT).

George Russell fastest in FP3

Saturday 6 December 2025 11:35 , Kieran Jackson

And that, ladies and gents, is practice done for 2025.

George Russell has snatched a perfect weekend from Lando Norris, taking top spot with a 1:23:334 - just 0.004 seconds ahead of the championship leader!

Max Verstappen is in third, a tenth off, with Oscar Piastri in fourth. All the title contenders are there or thereabouts.

5-10: Ocon, Bearman, Leclerc, Antonelli, Albon

Max Verstappen not happy on team radio:

Saturday 6 December 2025 11:29 , Kieran Jackson

"The problem is that the car still jumps, like it just...I can't keep my feet on the pedals."

George Russell now P1

Saturday 6 December 2025 11:28 , Kieran Jackson

Who saw this coming?!

Russell goes top, just 0.004 secs ahead of Norris!

Verstappen now P3, a tenth off. Boy is it tight.

Final laps coming in now...

Lando Norris fastest

Saturday 6 December 2025 11:22 , Kieran Jackson

Anything you can do Oscar, Lando can do better.

Norris goes two-tenths quicker than his McLaren teammate to re-take top spot.

7:00 left in FP3...

Oscar Piastri goes quickest

Saturday 6 December 2025 11:19 , Kieran Jackson

A much-needed confidence boost for the Australian, who moves to P1 with a 1:23:593 - 0.523 seconds quicker than Verstappen in second!

Final 10 minutes now - expect times to tumble...

FP3 resumes

Saturday 6 December 2025 11:16 , Kieran Jackson

A big queue in the pit-lane as the rest of the grid rush out for the final 15 minutes or so of qualifying.

As for Hamilton, he’ll be hoping the damage on his car isn’t so sufficient that it puts him in danger of missing qualifying at 2pm (GMT).

Hamilton crash

Saturday 6 December 2025 11:12 , Kieran Jackson

Lewis Hamilton crashes!

Saturday 6 December 2025 11:08 , Kieran Jackson

Oh Lewis!

The Ferrari man spins out of turn 9 and slams into the tyre barrier. He’s all OK. “Something buckled at the front and snapped the rear,” he says.

Hamilton’s Ferrari nightmare shows no signs of abating.

RED FLAG.

Lewis Hamilton crashes

Saturday 6 December 2025 11:03 , Kieran Jackson

Oh Lewis!

The Ferrari man spins out of turn 9 and slams into the tyre barrier. He’s all OK. “Something buckled at the front and snapped the rear,” he says.

Hamilton’s Ferrari nightmare shows no signs of abating.

RED FLAG.

Max Verstappen goes P1

Saturday 6 December 2025 11:01 , Kieran Jackson

A 1:24:245 puts the Dutchman top, with Stroll in second and Bearman third.

Lando Norris goes top

Saturday 6 December 2025 10:47 , Kieran Jackson

The McLaren driver sets a 1:24:7, 1.2 seconds ahead of Pierre Gasly in second.

More than half the cars are still in the garage, but the championship leader is out there, as is Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc.

McLaren CEO Zak Brown:

Saturday 6 December 2025 10:43 , Kieran Jackson

“They [Norris and Piastri are more relaxed than I’ve ever seen, they are enjoying the pressure of the world championship battle. We had a nice team BBQ two nights ago, some nice speeches.

“The team is remarkably calm. We’re very focused and what we realised is bringing any emotion to the pit-wall will not be productive, so staying very focused.”

Speaking to Sky Sports

Most cars in garage

Saturday 6 December 2025 10:38 , Kieran Jackson

Usual procedure at the start of FP3, with the majority of the cars just sitting in the garage.

Franco Colapinto is one of few cars out on the Yas Marina Circuit right now...

Norris vs Verstappen vs Piastri

Saturday 6 December 2025 10:33 , Kieran Jackson

Third practice

Saturday 6 December 2025 10:30 , Kieran Jackson

And we are a go with the third and final practice session of the weekend.

Not always the most representative session, given the warmer conditions, but key for the drivers to dial in ahead of a vital qualifying later on today.

FP3 imminent

Saturday 6 December 2025 10:25 , Kieran Jackson

The final practice session of the season is now just five minutes away.

For the title contenders, it’s their final chance to make a statement ahead of qualifying this evening.

It’s a warm day on Yas Island - around 27C. Who will keep their cool in the heat of battle today?

Title contenders arrive at Yas Marina

Saturday 6 December 2025 10:07 , Kieran Jackson

And they look fairly relaxed to me!

Zak Brown in drivers' press conference:

Saturday 6 December 2025 10:01 , Kieran Jackson

“We’ll be practical and realistic if the race develops,” he said, on the potential for team orders tomorrow. “We’ll race accordingly to do whatever we can to get that driver in front.

“We’re not going to throw away a drivers’ championship.”

Lando Norris has 'more to lose' in F1 title fight

Saturday 6 December 2025 09:46 , Kieran Jackson

“I guess in terms of position, of course, I have the most to lose because I’m the one at the top. I’ll do my best to stay there for another few days.

“But if it doesn’t go my way, I will try again next year. It will hurt for a little while but that’s life and I’ll crack on and try and do better again next season.

“I also have the mentality that I have nothing to lose because it’s just a race for a championship and in 30 years time I won’t think of it all that much.”