Archive · 7 Dec 2025
Verstappen Leads Abu Dhabi Grid
Lando Norris is leading the Formula 1 championship race, but the final race in Abu Dhabi will decide if he can handle the pressure to win his first title.
Norris is ahead of Max Verstappen by 12 points and Oscar Piastri by 16 points.
Former champion Jenson Button thinks Norris has a good chance, but the pressure of his first title fight might affect his performance.
Verstappen, who has won titles before, is more relaxed and experienced.
Norris has been doing better in the second half of the season, but Button says he still can't beat Verstappen in close races.
If Norris finishes in the top three, he could win the championship.
In qualifying, Verstappen secured pole position with a time of 1 minute 22.207 seconds, 0.201 seconds faster than Norris, who will start second.
Piastri will start third.
Norris needs a podium finish to secure the title, but Verstappen is focused on winning the race and will need other drivers' results to go his way.
Max Verstappen secured pole position for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with a time of 1 minute 22.207 seconds.
Lando Norris will start second and needs a podium finish to win the championship.
Oscar Piastri will start third, with Norris leading him by 16 points.
Verstappen is 12 points behind Norris and will need other drivers' results to go his way to have a chance at the title.
Norris expressed disappointment at not securing pole position but remains focused on winning the race.
- Who
- Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, Max Verstappen
- What
- Formula 1 championship showdown
- When
- Sunday
- Where
- Abu Dhabi
- Why
- To determine the Formula 1 world champion
Norris' Pressure Handling
Verstappen's Experience
Pressure Handling
Norris' Pressure Handling
Lando Norris' ability to handle pressure will determine the outcome of the championship.
Verstappen's Experience
Max Verstappen's experience in high-pressure situations gives him an advantage.
Performance
Norris' Pressure Handling
Norris has improved significantly in the second half of the season but still struggles in close combat with Verstappen.
Verstappen's Experience
Verstappen is more relaxed and focused on racing, which could give him an edge in the final race.
- Drivers Involved
- Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri, Max Verstappen
- Points Lead
- Norris leads Verstappen by 12 points, Piastri by 16
- Race Location
- Abu Dhabi
- Race Date
- Sunday
- Norris' Performance
- Improved in the second half of the season
- Verstappen's Advantage
- Experience in handling pressure
- Norris' Requirement
- Podium finish to win the title
- Verstappen's Pole Position Time
- 1 minute 22.207 seconds
- Norris' Grid Position
- Second
- Piastri's Grid Position
- Third
Sources
All about how Norris handles pressure: Button on F1’s three-way title showdown
Max Verstappen On Pole For Abu Dhabi GP, Lando Norris 2nd As F1 Title Race Goes To Last Day
Verstappen on pole for F1 title-decider, Norris second
Formula 1: Max Verstappen takes Abu Dhabi pole; Norris, Piastri complete title-fight front row
Pole For Max Verstappen At The F1 Title-Deciding Abu Dhabi GP; Lando Norris & Oscar Piastri Close Behind
F1: Verstappen vows to go all out for win
Abu Dhabi GP Qualifying: Max Verstappen clinches pole for title-decider ahead of Lando Norris, Oscar Piastri
