ABU DHABI: McLaren Dominates Qualifying for Season-Ending Grand Prix

In a thrilling qualifying session for the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, McLaren’s Lando Norris led a front row sweep with his teammate Oscar Piastri, putting the team in a strong position to secure their first Formula One constructors’ title since 1998. The Briton secured pole position, edging out Piastri by 0.209 seconds at the Yas Marina circuit under the floodlights.

Ferrari, 21 points behind McLaren, faced setbacks with Carlos Sainz qualifying third but Charles Leclerc starting from the back row due to a 10-place penalty. Despite the challenges, Sainz remained optimistic, stating that anything is possible until the chequered flag drops.

Other notable performances included Nico Hulkenberg in fourth for Haas, Max Verstappen in fifth for Red Bull, and Pierre Gasly in sixth for Alpine. Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton had a disappointing qualifying session, starting from 18th in his final race for Mercedes before joining Ferrari.

FAQs

1. Q: Who secured pole position in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix qualifying?

   A: Lando Norris from McLaren secured pole position, leading a front row sweep for the team.

2. Q: How did Ferrari fare in the qualifying session?

   A: Ferrari faced challenges with Carlos Sainz qualifying third and Charles Leclerc starting from the back row due to a penalty.

3. Q: What position did Lewis Hamilton qualify in?

   A: Lewis Hamilton qualified in 18th place, facing difficulties in his last race for Mercedes.

4. Q: Which team is McLaren competing against for the constructors’ title?

   A: McLaren is competing against Ferrari for the Formula One constructors’ title.

5. Q: Who were the top performers in the qualifying session?

   A: Apart from McLaren drivers, Nico Hulkenberg, Max Verstappen, and Pierre Gasly delivered strong performances.

6. Q: What challenges did Ferrari face in their title bid?

   A: Ferrari encountered difficulties with penalties and grid positions affecting their chances in the championship.

7. Q: What were Lewis Hamilton’s sentiments after qualifying?

   A: Lewis Hamilton expressed frustration after facing setbacks in qualifying despite a strong performance in practice sessions.

8. Q: Which driver is likely to compete in his last F1 race?

   A: Valtteri Bottas is expected to compete in his last Formula One race, starting from ninth place for Sauber.

9. Q: How did the McLaren team prepare for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix?

   A: The McLaren team demonstrated strong performance throughout the weekend, culminating in a front row sweep in qualifying.

10. Q: What are the expectations for the race day in Abu Dhabi?

    A: The race day in Abu Dhabi promises excitement and unpredictability, with teams and drivers vying for the championship title.

Conclusion

McLaren’s dominant performance in qualifying sets the stage for an intense season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with the team poised to secure their first constructors’ title in over two decades. Despite challenges faced by Ferrari and unexpected outcomes for top drivers, the race promises thrilling action and potential surprises.

Tags

Tags: McLaren, Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Formula One, Qualifying, Ferrari, Lewis Hamilton