Formula 1: Norris secures pole in Abu Dhabi as McLaren edges closer to constructors’ title

Lando Norris showcased his remarkable form again to secure pole position for Formula 1’s season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, edging teammate Oscar Piastri in McLaren’s third front-row lockout of the season. Norris clocked a time of 1:22.595, three-tenths quicker than Piastri, as McLaren moved closer to clinching their first constructors’ championship since 1998.

“It was a perfect day for us,” said Norris, who celebrated his eighth pole of the season. “The lap was strong, and everything came together just as we wanted. It’s probably one of the toughest poles we’ve had because the competition has been fierce, but the team has been phenomenal. Now we need to finish the job tomorrow.”

Norris, who has emerged as one of the standout drivers this season, has already collected five race wins and played a pivotal role in McLaren’s resurgence to title contention alongside Piastri.

Meanwhile, seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton endured a nightmare end to his Mercedes career, qualifying 16th after a chaotic Q1 session. Hamilton, in his 246th and final race for the team before joining Ferrari, was sent out late for his final run and then picked up a bollard dislodged by Kevin Magnussen’s Haas, which lodged under his car and ruined his balance.

“I messed that up big time, guys,” a dejected Hamilton said over team radio after failing to progress. However, Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff took full responsibility for the mishap. “We totally let him down,” said Wolff. “It was an idiotic mistake not to send him out earlier. Inexcusable! This is not how we wanted to end his time with us.”

Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz, competing in his final race for the team, qualified third, just 0.020 seconds behind Piastri. However, Ferrari’s constructors’ hopes suffered a blow when Charles Leclerc failed to advance from Q2 and received a 10-place grid penalty, relegating him to the back of the grid.

Nico Hulkenberg secured fourth for Haas before a three-place penalty, while Max Verstappen, the reigning four-time world champion, will start fifth. All eyes will be on Norris and Piastri as McLaren looks to seal a historic constructors’ triumph in Sunday’s finale.

(Source: AFP)