Lando Norris secured pole position for the final Formula 1 race of the season in Abu Dhabi, positioning McLaren on the brink of their first constructors' title in 26 years. Norris outpaced teammate Oscar Piastri by .209 seconds, with Carlos Sainz Jr. of Ferrari trailing by .020 seconds. Nico Hulkenberg of Haas surprised by clinching the fourth spot, while reigning champion Max Verstappen settled for fifth.
Charles Leclerc, Sainz's teammate, struggled in qualifying, finishing 14th in the second session and incurring a 10-place grid penalty. This setback likely dashes Ferrari's hopes of closing the 21-point gap to McLaren in the constructors' standings.
Seven-time F1 champion Lewis Hamilton faced adversity as he is set to depart Mercedes after 12 years. Hamilton encountered a mishap during qualifying when a plastic pole dislodged by Kevin Magnussen's Haas became lodged under his Mercedes, disrupting his final lap. Hamilton, already struggling in the initial qualifying phase, failed to advance further.
Expressing his frustration over the radio, Hamilton acknowledged his error, stating, 'I messed that up big time, guys.' The British driver will transition to Ferrari for the 2025 season, departing Mercedes where he achieved six drivers' titles.
The incident during qualifying adds a dramatic twist to the season finale, with McLaren in a strong position to secure the constructors' championship. The stage is set for an exciting race in Abu Dhabi as the teams and drivers vie for the final accolades of the season.
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