Lando Norris gave McLaren one of the best probability of securing their first constructors’ title since 1998 in qualifying for the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, claiming his eighth pole of the 12 months, as crew mate Oscar Piastri accomplished a McLaren entrance row lock-out.
It means Norris ends the season as the highest qualifier, tied on poles with Max Verstappen – who completed P5 – however with a greater common beginning place.
Carlos Sainz took P3 on his closing look for Ferrari – the one crew capable of problem McLaren for the title on Sunday, the Scuderia at the moment sitting 21 factors behind – whereas Nico Hulkenberg put in a shocking efficiency to take P4 for Haas.
AS IT HAPPENED: All the action from qualifying for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
There was to be no fairytale ending to Lewis Hamilton’s 246th and closing qualifying look for Mercedes, in the meantime, the seven-time champion eradicated in Q1 after encountering loads of site visitors – and an errant plastic bollard – on his closing run.
Benefit from the motion from qualifying within the video above.
