The 2025 Formula 1 season is set for a thrilling conclusion at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, marking the first time in 15 years that three drivers enter the season-ending race with a chance to win the World Championship.
Despite trailing championship leader Lando Norris by only 12 points, Red Bull driver Max Verstappen is not the mathematical favorite for the crown. However, his experience showed on Saturday as he delivered a scorching lap of 1:22.207 to claim pole position—his eighth of the year and 48th of his career.
Qualifying Results (Top Three)
| Position | Driver | Team | Lap Time |
| P1 (Pole) | Max Verstappen | Red Bull | 1:22.207 |
| P2 | Lando Norris | McLaren | 1:22.408 |
| P3 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren | 1:22.437 |
The Pressure Gauge: Verstappen vs. McLaren
2009 World Champion Jenson Button, speaking from Abu Dhabi, highlighted the immense psychological advantage held by Verstappen, who is seeking his fifth consecutive title.
“It’s a massive advantage because Max is like ‘if I win this year, it’s great. If I don’t, I go home, we have a winter break and come out next year and fight for a world championship’… there’s no pressure on his shoulders,” Button told HT.
Conversely, Button believes the pressure is heavily stacked against the two McLaren contenders:
“Whereas the other two, a lot of pressure. It’s the first time they’ve had an opportunity to fight for a world championship… You can tighten up under that pressure and it really can affect you,” Button explained.
Button compared the situation to the 2010 Abu Dhabi finale, where he witnessed Sebastian Vettel, starting third in the standings, unexpectedly win the title.
Championship Scenarios
- Lando Norris (Leader): The 26-year-old Briton currently leads the series. Starting second, he only needs to finish on the podium (P3 or higher) to secure his maiden F1 title, regardless of Verstappen’s performance.
- Max Verstappen (Second): Trailing by 12 points, a win alone will not be enough for the Red Bull driver. Button noted that the outcome “is all how Lando deals with the pressure.”
- Oscar Piastri (Third): The Australian looked strong earlier in the season, leading the race for 15 races this year. He goes into the final race 16 points behind Norris. For him to snatch the championship, he will need to win the race and hope both Norris and Verstappen falter, a scenario reminiscent of Kimi Raikkonen’s win in 2007 and Vettel’s in 2010.
The Pole Position Advantage
History is on the side of the pole sitter in Abu Dhabi, as the last 10 Abu Dhabi GPs have been won by the driver starting from pole.
Button cautioned Norris against driving conservatively, stating that trying to “take it easy” often leads to mistakes. While acknowledging that Norris is currently the title favorite, Button emphasized the unpredictable nature of the finale: “It is definitely Lando’s to lose… In this last race, it’s still open and I love that and that’s why we’re all excited about this last race.”