With the three title contenders filling the first three spots on the grid, things could not be more tense for the start of the season finale in Abu Dhabi. Reigning champion Max Verstappen is on pole, with standings leader Lando Norris second and team mate Oscar Piastri third.
Just to add to the jeopardy when the Yas Marina lights go out, behind the Red Bull and McLarens we have three of the fastest starters in the business: Mercedes’ George Russell, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso.
After matching his career-best Qualifying performance in his team’s last Grand Prix before transitioning to Audi in 2026, Kick Sauber rookie Gabriel Bortoto is seventh, ahead of Haas’ Esteban Ocon. Racing Bulls’ Isack Hadjar is ninth, with the man he’ll replace at Red Bull next year, Yuki Tsunoda, completing the top 10.
Further back, look out for Haas’ Oliver Bearman and Mercedes’ Kimi Antonelli trying to cut through the pack from 11th and 14th respectively to end their rookie campaigns on a high. And never dismiss Lewis Hamilton – P16 on the grid after another disappointing Qualifying for Ferrari.
Starting Grid
FORMULA 1 ETIHAD AIRWAYS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX 2025
| Pos. | Driver | Time |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Max VerstappenVER | 1:22.207 |
| 2 | Lando NorrisNOR | 1:22.408 |
| 3 | Oscar PiastriPIA | 1:22.437 |
| 4 | George RussellRUS | 1:22.645 |
| 5 | Charles LeclercLEC | 1:22.730 |
| 6 | Fernando AlonsoALO | 1:22.902 |
| 7 | Gabriel BortoletoBOR | 1:22.904 |
| 8 | Esteban OconOCO | 1:22.913 |
| 9 | Isack HadjarHAD | 1:23.072 |
| 10 | Yuki TsunodaTSU |
The 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix starts at 1700 local time. Be sure to join our live coverage from 1600 here.

Next Up
Related Articles
F1 AcademyFerrari sign Larsen for 2026 F1 ACADEMY campaign
Power RankingsWho dazzled our judges at the finale in Abu Dhabi?
Wolff calls Abu Dhabi ‘mediocre’ but ‘pleased’ to finish P2
Joseph ‘very proud’ to be part of Norris’ title success
Dr Helmut Marko to leave Red Bull motorsport advisor role
All the key stats from Norris’ title-winning season










