Max Verstappen delivered a heart-stopping lap under the Yas Marina lights to snatch pole position for the Abu Dhabi GP, beating Lando Norris by a mere 0.201 seconds. With Oscar Piastri starting third, the stage is explosively set for a sensational three-way showdown. One race, 58 laps, three hungry contenders – Sunday promises pure Formula 1 drama.
In the interim, here’s our recap in pictures of Saturday’s action at Yas Marina.
(L to R): Pierre Gasly (FRA) Alpine F1 Team with his girlfriend Kika Cerqueira Gomes (POR).
06.12.2025. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 24, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Qualifying Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Bearne / XPB Imagesmore Magui Corceiro (POR), girlfriend of Lando Norris (GBR) McLaren.
06.12.2025. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 24, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Qualifying Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore (L to R): Alexander Albon (THA) Atlassian Williams Racing with his girlfriend Muni Lily He (CHN) Professional Golfer.
06.12.2025. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 24, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Qualifying Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Bearne / XPB Imagesmore (L to R): Rebecca Donaldson (GBR) with her boyfriend Carlos Sainz (ESP) Atlassian Williams Racing.
06.12.2025. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 24, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Qualifying Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Bearne / XPB Imagesmore Peter Sauber (SUI) Former Sauber Owner (Right) with his wife Christiane Sauber.
06.12.2025. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 24, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Qualifying Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Bearne / XPB Imagesmore (L to R): Gabriel Bortoleto (BRA) Sauber with his girlfriend Isabella Bernardini (BRA).
06.12.2025. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 24, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Qualifying Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore (L to R): Hannah St. John (USA) with her boyfriend Liam Lawson (NZL) Racing Bulls.
06.12.2025. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 24, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Qualifying Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore (L to R): Oscar Piastri (AUS) McLaren with his girlfriend Lily Zneimer (GBR).
06.12.2025. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 24, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Qualifying Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore (L to R): Lawrence Stroll (CDN) Aston Martin F1 Team Investor with Chase Carey (USA) Liberty Media Executive Committee Board Member.
06.12.2025. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 24, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Qualifying Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore (L to R): Dr Helmut Marko (AUT) Red Bull Motorsport Consultant with Gianpiero Lambiase (ITA) Red Bull Racing Head of Racing.
06.12.2025. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 24, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Qualifying Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore The helmet of racing boot of Oscar Piastri (AUS) McLaren.
06.12.2025. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 24, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Qualifying Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore Yuki Tsunoda (JPN) Red Bull Racing.
06.12.2025. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 24, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Qualifying Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore Max Verstappen (NLD) Red Bull Racing with Dr Helmut Marko (AUT) Red Bull Motorsport Consultant.
06.12.2025. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 24, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Qualifying Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore Nico Hulkenberg (GER) Sauber.
06.12.2025. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 24, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Qualifying Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore Isack Hadjar (FRA) Racing Bulls VCARB 02.
06.12.2025. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 24, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Qualifying Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore Alexander Albon (THA) Atlassian Williams Racing.
06.12.2025. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 24, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Qualifying Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Bearne / XPB Imagesmore Charles Leclerc (MON) Ferrari SF-25.
06.12.2025. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 24, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Qualifying Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Charniaux / XPB Imagesmore George Russell (GBR) Mercedes AMG F1 W16.
06.12.2025. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 24, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Qualifying Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Charniaux / XPB Imagesmore Lando Norris (GBR) McLaren MCL39.
06.12.2025. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 24, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Qualifying Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Charniaux / XPB Imagesmore Carlos Sainz (ESP) Atlassian Williams Racing FW47.
06.12.2025. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 24, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Qualifying Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Bearne / XPB Imagesmore Lando Norris (GBR) McLaren MCL39.
06.12.2025. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 24, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Qualifying Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Bearne / XPB Imagesmore Yuki Tsunoda (JPN) Red Bull Racing RB21.
06.12.2025. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 24, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Qualifying Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Bearne / XPB Imagesmore Nico Hulkenberg (GER) Sauber C45.
06.12.2025. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 24, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Qualifying Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Coates / XPB Imagesmore Yuki Tsunoda (JPN) Red Bull Racing RB21.
06.12.2025. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 24, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Qualifying Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Coates / XPB Imagesmore Liam Lawson (NZL) Racing Bulls VCARB 02.
06.12.2025. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 24, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Qualifying Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Bearne / XPB Imagesmore Esteban Ocon (FRA) Haas VF-25.
06.12.2025. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 24, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Qualifying Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Bearne / XPB Imagesmore Alexander Albon (THA) Atlassian Williams Racing FW47.
06.12.2025. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 24, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Qualifying Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Bearne / XPB Imagesmore George Russell (GBR) Mercedes AMG F1 W16.
06.12.2025. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 24, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Qualifying Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Bearne / XPB Imagesmore Max Verstappen (NLD) Red Bull Racing RB21.
06.12.2025. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 24, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Qualifying Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore Charles Leclerc (MON) Ferrari SF-25.
06.12.2025. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 24, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Qualifying Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore Isack Hadjar (FRA) Racing Bulls VCARB 02.
06.12.2025. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 24, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Qualifying Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Charniaux / XPB Imagesmore Oscar Piastri (AUS) McLaren MCL39.
06.12.2025. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 24, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Qualifying Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Charniaux / XPB Imagesmore Gabriel Bortoleto (BRA) Sauber C45.
06.12.2025. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 24, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Qualifying Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Charniaux / XPB Imagesmore Gabriel Bortoleto (BRA) Sauber C45.
06.12.2025. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 24, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Qualifying Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Charniaux / XPB Imagesmore Nico Hulkenberg (GER) Sauber C45.
06.12.2025. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 24, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Qualifying Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Price / XPB Imagesmore Lewis Hamilton (GBR) Ferrari SF-25.
06.12.2025. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 24, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Qualifying Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Price / XPB Imagesmore (L to R): Paul Aron (EST) Alpine F1 Team Reserve Driver; Pierre Gasly (FRA) Alpine F1 Team; Flavio Briatore (ITA) Alpine F1 Team Executive Advisor; and Franco Colapinto (ARG) Alpine F1 Team, at a team photograph.
06.12.2025. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 24, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Qualifying Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore (L to R): Alexander Albon (THA) Atlassian Williams Racing and Carlos Sainz (ESP) Atlassian Williams Racing at a team photograph.
06.12.2025. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 24, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Qualifying Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Bearne / XPB Imagesmore Max Verstappen (NLD) Red Bull Racing celebrates his pole position in qualifying parc ferme with his girlfriend Kelly Piquet (BRA).
06.12.2025. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 24, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Qualifying Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Price / XPB Imagesmore Max Verstappen (NLD) Red Bull Racing celebrates his pole position in qualifying parc ferme with girlfriend Kelly Piquet (BRA).
06.12.2025. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 24, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Qualifying Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Coates / XPB Imagesmore (L to R): Lando Norris (GBR) McLaren; Max Verstappen (NLD) Red Bull Racing; and Max Verstappen (NLD) Red Bull Racing, in the post qualifying FIA Press Conference.
06.12.2025. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 24, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Qualifying Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Bearne / XPB Imagesmore (L to R): Zak Brown (USA) McLaren Executive Director with pole sitter Max Verstappen (NLD) Red Bull Racing in qualifying parc ferme.
06.12.2025. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 24, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Qualifying Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore (L to R): Oscar Piastri (AUS) McLaren in qualifying parc ferme with Mohammed Bin Sulayem (UAE) FIA President.
06.12.2025. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 24, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Qualifying Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore (L to R): Benson Boone (USA) Singer presents the Pirelli Pole Position Award to Max Verstappen (NLD) Red Bull Racing in qualifying parc ferme.
06.12.2025. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 24, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Qualifying Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore Max Verstappen (NLD) Red Bull Racing celebrates his pole position in qualifying parc ferme with his girlfriend Kelly Piquet (BRA).
06.12.2025. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 24, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Qualifying Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore Carlos Sainz (ESP) Atlassian Williams Racing.
06.12.2025. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 24, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Qualifying Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Bearne / XPB Imagesmore Benson Boone (USA) Singer.
06.12.2025. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 24, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Qualifying Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Batchelor / XPB Imagesmore Isack Hadjar (FRA) Racing Bulls VCARB 02.
06.12.2025. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 24, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Qualifying Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Bearne / XPB Imagesmore Fans with Nicole Piastri (AUS) (Centre), mother of Oscar Piastri (AUS) McLaren.
06.12.2025. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 24, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Qualifying Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore (L to R): Bernie Ecclestone (GBR) with Mohammed Bin Sulayem (UAE) FIA President.
06.12.2025. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 24, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Qualifying Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore (L to R): Laurent Mekies (FRA) Red Bull Racing Team Principal and CEO with Bernie Ecclestone (GBR).
06.12.2025. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 24, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Qualifying Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore (L to R): Bernie Ecclestone (GBR) with his wife Fabiana Flosi (BRA) and Carlos Sainz (ESP).
06.12.2025. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 24, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Qualifying Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore (L to R): Keith Sutton (GBR) with Bernie Ecclestone (GBR).
06.12.2025. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 24, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Qualifying Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore Mohammed Bin Sulayem (UAE) FIA President.
06.12.2025. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 24, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Qualifying Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore (L to R): Bernie Ecclestone (GBR) with Billy Andrews (GBR) F1 Head of Accreditation and Fabiana Flosi (BRA).
06.12.2025. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 24, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Qualifying Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Moy / XPB Imagesmore Stefano Domenicali (ITA) Formula One President and CEO (Left).
06.12.2025. Formula 1 World Championship, Rd 24, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Yas Marina Circuit, Abu Dhabi, Qualifying Day.
- www.xpbimages.com, EMail: requests@xpbimages.com © Copyright: Price / XPB Imagesmore
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