Formula One front-runner Max Verstappen put Red Bull on pole position for the title-deciding Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Saturday.
Mercedes rival and seven times world champion Lewis Hamilton will line up alongside on the front row of the grid. The pair are level on points in the standings, with Verstappen ahead 9-8 on race wins.
21 battles down, one to go ??
We’re at the tail end of a truly unforgettable season
The Verstappen-Hamilton rivalry will surely go down as one of the most talented, iconic and fierce in F1 history ?#AbuDhabiGP ?? #F1 pic.twitter.com/3QeyI7ZbIL
— Formula 1 (@F1) December 11, 2021
Red Bull pulled a rabbit out of the hat after they trailed Mercedes during practice at the circuit. Verstappen’s teammate Carlos Sainz Jr provided the championship leader a tow in the first flying lap in Q1 and that gave him over half a second advantage over Hamilton.
? TOP TEN (END OF QUALIFYING) ?
Verstappen
Hamilton
Norris (?)
Perez
Sainz
Bottas
Leclerc
Tsunoda
Ocon
Ricciardo#AbuDhabiGP ?? #F1 pic.twitter.com/g8aTHRq5jx— Formula 1 (@F1) December 11, 2021
Should Verstappen win tomorrow’s final grand prix and be crowned champion, he will end Mercedes’ dominance of the turbo-era in formula one and deny Hamilton a record eighth championship.
