Piastri predicts ‘pretty exciting’ Abu Dhabi showdown after securing P3 on grid behind Verstappen and Norris

Oscar Piastri was satisfied with his efforts during the final Qualifying session of the season in Abu Dhabi, feeling that third on the grid represented “more or less what we had” after a low-key start to the weekend.

Piastri is one of three title contenders heading into the 2025 finale at the Yas Marina Circuit, sitting four points behind Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and 16 points behind McLaren team mate Lando Norris.

All of them are set to start at the front of the grid on Sunday evening, with Verstappen coming out on top in Q3 over Norris and Piastri, who will be drawing inspiration from outsiders winning the championship in the last races of 2007 and 2010.

“I think honestly pretty good,” was the Australian’s post-Qualifying assessment. “I think Q1 I got a nice lap on the board, the first good lap I’ve done all weekend, so it was nice to kind of set myself a baseline for the rest of quali.

“I think in Q3 things felt good, my lap was pretty good, and I think Lando’s lap was pretty good. I think that was more or less what we had, so ultimately pretty pleased.”

He added: “[We were] just not quite quick enough today, but it sets up a pretty exciting day tomorrow.”

Asked if he now has the confidence to attack the race, knowing that a significant points swing is required, Piastri said: “Yeah, definitely. I think we made some good improvements from practice yesterday and practice this afternoon.

“I felt much happier with the car and I felt like I was driving a lot better as well, which helps. I think we’re in a reasonable place with that.

“Obviously it was not quite quick enough to beat Max today, but I think we did everything we could.”