Abu Dhabi GP
Notable fifth place for Carlos Sainz, while Fernando Alonso did not go to Q3 and will start eleventh in Yas Marina
The Dutchman Max Verstappen (Red Bull) achieved pole position in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the last of the season, ahead of the British Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes), his rival in the fight for the title, with both tied on points , before the final race. Whoever scores the most points in the great battle this Sunday will be the champion. But if they finish tied, Verstappen will be crowned thanks to his highest number of victories. Mercedes and Red Bull are also competing for the constructors’ title. The German team is a favorite with 28 points of advantage and a maximum of 44 available.
Britain’s Lando Norris (McLaren) took third place in the qualifications, ahead of the second Bull, from Mexico’s Sergio Pérez. For their part, Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) from Madrid and the second Mercedes, from the Finn Valtteri Bottas, sixth only, will start from the third row.
The ‘top ten’ are completed by the Monegasque Charles Leclerc (Ferrari), the Japanese Yuki Tsunoda (AlphaTauri), the French Esteban Ocon (Alpine) and the Australian Daniel Ricciardo (McLaren). Fernando Alonso was left out of Q3 and will start from eleventh position in the race.
The Yas Marina circuit was a private preserve of Mercedes between 2014 and 2019, with six poles and six victories. But in 2020, Verstappen gave the surprise by taking first place on the grid and at the finish line. An element of uncertainty is added this year: the track was modified to be faster and more conducive to overtaking.
The great circus will say goodbye to Finn Kimi Räikkönen (Alfa Romeo), who retires after 19 seasons, since 2001, and a world title with Ferrari in 2007. He will start eighteenth on the starting grid.
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