Lando Norris claims pole in Abu Dhabi, leading a McLaren front-row sweep, while Hülkenberg surprises and Leclerc starts from the back.
McLaren takes a giant step toward its first Constructors’ title since 1998 by locking out the front row for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Lando Norris capped off the 2024 F1 season in style, securing pole position for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Alongside him, teammate Oscar Piastri completes an all-McLaren front row—a stunning performance marking a memorable weekend for the British team.
Among the surprises, Nico Hülkenberg shone with a fourth-place finish, while Pierre Gasly secured sixth. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton endured a disastrous outing, eliminated in Q1.
A Dramatic Q1 and a Huge Upset
Qualifying began under pressure. Sergio Pérez set the first benchmark time, only for it to be deleted for track limits. Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz took turns leading the timesheets, while Kevin Magnussen stunned by placing his Haas in third.
The McLarens, consistently fast throughout the weekend, quickly climbed to the top. George Russell and Lewis Hamilton struggled to crack the top 10. Late in Q1, improving track conditions allowed Valtteri Bottas to post an impressive lap. However, Hamilton’s session ended in disaster, with a cone lodged under his car. He finished 18th, a huge disappointment for the seven-time champion. Jack Doohan, Alex Albon, Guanyu Zhou, Franco Colapinto, and Hamilton were eliminated.
Sainz Tops Q2, Leclerc’s Setback
Q2 saw Max Verstappen set the initial benchmark, closely followed by Norris and Piastri. Disaster struck for Ferrari when Charles Leclerc’s solid lap was deleted for track limits, relegating him to start last—a significant blow to the team’s Constructors’ title hopes.
Carlos Sainz led the session, while Bottas impressed by advancing his Sauber into Q3. Yuki Tsunoda, Lance Stroll, Liam Lawson, Kevin Magnussen, and Charles Leclerc were eliminated.
Norris and Piastri: A Dominant Q3
Q3 delivered a thrilling conclusion. Max Verstappen put in a rapid lap despite a scare in the final corner but couldn’t outpace Lando Norris. The Briton delivered a flawless lap to take pole ahead of Oscar Piastri. Carlos Sainz finished third, with an impressive Nico Hülkenberg in fourth. Verstappen settled for fifth, just ahead of Pierre Gasly.
With both McLarens on the front row, the British team is well-positioned to end the season on a triumphant note. Tune in tomorrow at the Yas Marina Circuit for what promises to be a captivating final Grand Prix!
Abu Dhabi GP 2024 Qualifying Results:
| Pos. | Driver | Team | Q1 | Q2 | Q3 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 01 | Lando Norris | McLaren Mercedes MCL38 | 1:23.682 | 1:23.098 | 1:22.595 |
| 02 | Oscar Piastri | McLaren Mercedes MCL38 | 1:23.640 | 1:23.199 | 1:22.804 |
| 03 | Carlos Sainz | Ferrari SF-24 | 1:23.487 | 1:22.985 | 1:22.824 |
| 04 | Nico Hülkenberg | Haas Ferrari VF-24 | 1:23.722 | 1:23.040 | 1:22.886 |
| 05 | Max Verstappen | Red Bull Honda RBPT RB20 | 1:23.516 | 1:22.998 | 1:22.945 |
| 06 | Pierre Gasly | Alpine Renault A524 | 1:23.548 | 1:23.086 | 1:22.984 |
| 07 | George Russell | Mercedes W15 | 1:23.678 | 1:23.823 | 1:23.132 |
| 08 | Fernando Alonso | Aston Martin Mercedes AMR24 | 1:23.794 | 1:23.268 | 1:23.196 |
| 09 | Valtteri Bottas | Stake F1 Kick Sauber C44 | 1:23.481 | 1:23.341 | 1:23.204 |
| 10 | Sergio Pérez | Red Bull Honda RBPT RB20 | 1:23.559 | 1:23.379 | 1:23.264 |
| — | —————- | ————— | ———- | ———- | ———- |
| 11 | Yuki Tsunoda | RB Honda RBPT VCARB 01 | 1:23.735 | 1:23.419 | |
| 12 | Liam Lawson | RB Honda RBPT VCARB 01 | 1:23.733 | 1:23.472 | |
| 13 | Lance Stroll | Aston Martin Mercedes AMR24 | 1:23.729 | 1:23.784 | |
| 14 | Charles Leclerc | Ferrari SF-24 | 1:23.302 | 1:23.833 | |
| 15 | Kevin Magnussen | Haas Ferrari VF-24 | 1:23.632 | 1:28.877 | |
| — | —————- | ————— | ———- | ———- | ———- |
| 16 | Alex Albon | Williams Mercedes FW46 | 1:23.821 | ||
| 17 | Guanyu Zhou | Stake F1 Kick Sauber C44 | 1:23.880 | ||
| 18 | Lewis Hamilton | Mercedes W15 | 1:23.887 | ||
| 19 | Franco Colapinto | Williams Mercedes FW46 | 1:23.912 | ||
| 20 | Jack Doohan | Alpine Renault A524 | 1:24.105 |
Norris Secures Pole as McLaren Locks Out Abu Dhabi Front Row Norris Secures Pole as McLaren Locks Out Abu Dhabi Front Row
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