F1 Abu Dhabi GP 2025 qualifying live: Norris, Verstappen and Piastri battle for pole in title decider

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…

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

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.

Green light, and Q1 has begun.

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.

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…

4. George Russell (Mercedes) – 309 points

5. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) – 230 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

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.”

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.

“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.”