Lando Norris Takes Pole in Abu Dhabi for Final Race of the Season

McLaren’s Lando Norris delivered a scintillating performance to secure pole position with a cracking time of 1:22.595, setting the stage for a thrilling season finale under the lights at Yas Marina Circuit. Teammate Oscar Piastri ensured a McLaren front-row lockout with a superb second-place finish, while Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz claimed third.

Reflecting on the team’s strong showing, Norris called it a perfect day, saying, “[It] was probably a little bit tougher than we were hoping for—we've been very quick all weekend.” Grateful for the outcome, he added, “We're pleased with the one-two. My lap in the end was strong and just how we wanted to end today.”

Piastri, meanwhile, emphasised the team’s collective focus heading into the race: “We'll do whatever we can to make sure we win the championship, and that's by far the biggest goal tomorrow. I'm sure we would both love to win the race, but I'm sure everyone [on the team] would love to win the championship even more. So, we'll make sure that happens and have some fun tomorrow.”

The session’s biggest shock came as Sir Lewis Hamilton was eliminated in Q1. The seven-time world champion, set to make his 246th and final start for Mercedes tomorrow [December 8], encountered a bizarre incident when a bollard became lodged beneath his car during his final lap, hampering his performance.

Hamilton, who will start 18th on the grid, reflected on the setback:

“It was meant to be. I was really hopeful; I really felt like we had a chance at the podium. The car was feeling good. I know I did everything right and I’m confident that I have taken the right steps this weekend. So, I will try to fight from there.”

Looking ahead to the race, Hamilton maintained a positive outlook:

“I’d like to inherit some positions from grid penalties if I can; that would definitely help my Sunday. But I’m really trying to be present and enjoy every moment. Even though it wasn’t a great session for us, it is what it is. I still enjoy driving the car, and I’m going to enjoy it even more tomorrow.”

Hamilton’s elimination wasn’t the session’s only surprise. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc also failed to progress past Q2, managing only 14th on the grid. The Monegasque driver’s disappointing result leaves Ferrari’s hopes squarely on Carlos Sainz, who starts third.

While McLaren dominated the front row, Nico Hülkenberg produced a standout performance to secure fourth for Haas, underscoring the team’s late-season improvements. Championship leader Max Verstappen, meanwhile, could only manage fifth, a subdued result by his lofty standards.

Alpine’s Pierre Gasly clinched sixth, with Mercedes’ George Russell in seventh. Fernando Alonso took eighth for Aston Martin, while Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez rounded out the top ten in ninth and tenth, respectively.

With Norris on pole and Hamilton starting from 18th, the stage is set for a captivating conclusion to the 2024 Formula 1 season.

Full Qualifying results:

1. Lando Norris (McLaren), 2. Oscar Piastri (McLaren), 3. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari), 4. Nico Hulkenberg (Haas), 5. Max Verstappen (Red Bull), 6. Pierre Gasly (Alpine), 7. George Russell (Mercedes), 8. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin), 9. Valtteri Bottas (Sauber), 10. Sergio Perez (Red Bull), 11. Yuki Tsunoda (Visa Cash App RB), 12. Liam Lawson (Visa Cash App RB), 13. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin), 14. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari), 15. Kevin Magnussen (Haas), 16. Alexander Albon (Williams), 17. Zhou Guanyu (Sauber), 18. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes), 19. Franco Colapinto (Williams), 20. Jack Doohan (Alpin