Max Verstappen claims pole position for Formula 1 title decider
Max Verstappen has claimed pole position for the Formula 1 title decider in Abu Dhabi after a stunning opening lap that could not be beaten by rival Lewis Hamilton.
Max Verstappen claimed pole position for the Formula 1 title decider in Abu Dhabi. (Getty Images/Red Bull Content Pool)
The Red Bull driver set a blistering time in the final qualifying session of 2021, aided by a tow from teammate Sergio Pérez in part of the lap.
"It's always good to have a performance like this one today, but there are no guarantees for tomorrow - I still expect it to be a really hard battle," said Verstappen.
Verstappen had soft tyres on when he recorded his fastest lap in Q2, putting himself on the alternate strategy to rival Lewis Hamilton.
The pair are equal on points, meaning Sunday's Grand Prix will be a straight head-to-head battle for the historic title.
"I originally planned to start on the mediums but I flat spotted my tyres so I had to go onto the softs, I actually felt okay on the softs during the long runs so hopefully it will work out tomorrow in the race," said the Red Bull driver.
"So far, the car has been good and throughout the practice sessions we made some good improvements to the car."
"I think everything worked out well, especially with Checo's help, it was nicely executed."
"He's a great teammate and a real pleasure to work with so a big thank you to him."
"I hope we have a good start and from there on in we can have a great race."
Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton after qualifying in Abu Dhabi. (Getty Images/Red Bull Content Pool)
Hamilton secured a front row start with his time, the 250th front row for the Mercedes F1 team.
"Well, firstly Max did a great lap today and we just couldn't compete with that time at the end there," said Hamilton.
"It was a fantastic lap from him but we're in a good position, I'd like to think, with our tyres tomorrow and I hope that we can have a good race."
"On the first lap of Q3, I dropped a bit of time in the last corner and Turn 5, but my final lap was nice and clean, I just couldn't go any quicker."
"I don't know if it's tyre prep or whatever it may be, in terms of the out lap, but nonetheless I couldn't beat that time so he deserved the pole."
"I'm still on the front row for tomorrow, with the tyre difference and I'm grateful I can see where he is, so we can try and navigate from there."
Dutch fans celebrate Max Verstappen’s pole position. (Getty Images/Red Bull Content Pool)
Meanwhile, McLaren driver Lando Norris through a spanner in the championship battle after he qualified in third ahead of the protagonists' rear-gunners.
Verstappen's teammate Peréz qualified fourth, with Hamilton's teammate Valtteri Bottas in sixth.
"I'm very happy," said Norris.
"I didn’t expect to be P3 today, but the car felt in a good position going into qualifying and I also felt like I did a very good lap when I needed to in my second run in Q3."
"Everything came together and I gave myself the best position for tomorrow to score some good points."
"So, I'm excited and looking forward to the race, which is going to be tough – but we’ll give it our best."
