P1racenews AI automatic summary:
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have locked out the front row at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to keep McLaren on track to claim its first Formula 1 constructors’ championship since 1998. Ferrari’s…
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri secured the front row at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, positioning McLaren well for their first Formula 1 constructors’ championship win since 1998, with Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz qualifying in third place. Charles Leclerc’s mishaps during qualifying, including having a lap time deleted, will see him starting 19th on the grid after serving penalties. Lewis Hamilton will start 16th after running over a bollard on his final Q1 lap. Despite Max Verstappen initially holding provisional pole, Norris ultimately claimed his eighth pole position of the season, matching Verstappen’s 2024 record. With McLaren looking strong and Ferrari needing a near-perfect outcome, Sunday’s race is set to be highly competitive.