Max Verstappen took a decisive pole for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix ahead of Formula 1's title decider, as Lando Norris outqualified Oscar Piastri by just 0.03s to join his main title rival on the front row.
Amid the pressure of the looming title battle, Verstappen flexed his experience as Norris' nerves appeared to fray throughout the progression of the session; on his opening Q3 lap, Verstappen posted a 1m22.295s, a lap that would have been good enough for pole on its own.
