Max Verstappen could complete one of the all-time great Formula 1 comebacks after taking pole ahead of Sunday’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
How to Watch the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
- Date: Sunday, Dec. 7, 2025
- Time: 7:55 AM EDT
- Channel: ESPN
- Stream: Fubo (try for free)
Against all the odds, Red Bull phenomenon Max Verstappen has pulled rank and revived his shot at defending the Formula 1 title at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. That’s after the Dutchman took a dramatic pole ahead of Sunday’s 2025 finale, putting himself in prime position to complete one of the greatest resurrections the sport has witnessed.
Verstappen was 104 points off the F1 standings summit following a runner-up finish behind Oscar Piastri at the Dutch GP in late August. However, a scintillating second half of the campaign has seen him move within 12 points of current leader Lando Norris, with McLaren agonizingly close to a first driver’s crown since Lewis Hamilton took them to the title in 2008.
A thrilling performance in Q3 moved Verstappen to the front of the grid ahead of Norris (second) and Oscar Piastri (third) on Sunday, setting the pace with a top time of 1:22.207. It only adds to the drama, though Norris still needs just a podium finish to put the finishing touches on his title charge.
After beating Hamilton in the 2021 Abu Dhabi debacle to secure his maiden world championship, Verstappen could be set for another unlikely title celebration at Yas Marina. Ferrari’s Hamilton exited in Q1 for the third Grand Prix running and will start 16th on the grid, with team-mate Charles Leclerc in fifth and ex-partner George Russell leading the charge for Mercedes in fourth.
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