Max Verstappen reminded the world why he’s the benchmark of modern Formula One, delivering a commanding pole position in Abu Dhabi that sets the stage for a dramatic title showdown. With just 12 points separating him from championship leader Lando Norris, the Dutchman’s eighth pole of the season is more than a statistic—it’s a statement of intent.
The Yas Marina Circuit glowed under the floodlights as Verstappen extracted every ounce of pace from his Oracle Red Bull Racing machine. Calm yet relentless, he topped the timesheets in Q3, showing the precision and confidence of a driver chasing history: a fifth consecutive drivers’ crown.
But this wasn’t just about Verstappen. It was about teamwork, sacrifice, and the collective push of a squad determined to leave nothing on the table. Yuki Tsunoda played the perfect wingman, offering a crucial tow that helped Verstappen shave off precious lap time. His selflessness underscored the unity within the Red Bull camp—a reminder that titles are won not only by brilliance but by collaboration.
Voices from the Garage
Max Verstappen (1st) “It was a simply lovely qualifying. We did well the whole weekend, fine-tuned the car, and made some final changes which helped me push to the limit. The big question is whether we can keep that pace in the race.
Thank you to Yuki for the tow—it was a great team effort. Tomorrow, the plan is simple: win the race and hope for a bit of Abu Dhabi magic to clinch the championship.”
Yuki Tsunoda (10th) “After the pit-lane incident in FP3, we had to revert to the old floor, which compromised performance. Still, I made it to Q3 and helped Max, which was always the aim.
Tomorrow, my focus is supporting him in the fight for the title. If I can contribute to his fifth championship, that’s the priority.”
Laurent Mekies, CEO & Team Principal “Max could’ve taken pole on both his runs today, he was that quick. The car improved session by session, and the team nailed the setup window perfectly. Yuki’s tow was excellent, and getting both cars into Q3 shows the strength of the group. There are no points on Saturday, but we’ve given ourselves the best chance to fight for everything tomorrow.”
Rising Stars and Lessons Learned
For Visa Cash App Racing Bulls, the evening was a mix of promise and frustration. Isack Hadjar, soon to join Verstappen at Oracle Red Bull Racing in 2026, impressed with a P9 finish—his best possible result on a track that didn’t favor the car. Liam Lawson, meanwhile, rued a conservative tyre strategy that left him stranded in P13 despite showing strong pace.
Isack Hadjar (9th) “Compared to yesterday, I’m really happy. I stepped up my driving and found something special to reach Q3. P9 was the maximum today, and we’ll give our best tomorrow to score points.”
Liam Lawson (13th) “The car felt quick, but we played things too conservatively with tyre usage. Missing FP1 meant we leaned heavily on FP2 data, and in hindsight, we were over cautious. It’s something to learn from heading into next year.”
Guillaume Dezoteux, Head of Vehicle Performance “Qualifying was extremely tight, with all 15 cars within 367 milliseconds in Q2. Isack delivered a great lap to reach Q3, while Liam missed out by less than half a tenth. Tomorrow, tyre management will be key—it’s a long race, and we’ll fight hard for points.”
Abu Dhabi has always been a stage for high drama, and this year is no different. Verstappen’s pole is more than a grid position—it’s the lifeline of a title fight that could etch his name deeper into Formula One history. For Oracle Red Bull Racing, the mission is clear: attack, defend, and hope fortune favors the brave.
As the lights go out on Sunday, the Dutchman will carry not just his own hopes, but the weight of a team, a legacy, and a chance to prove once again that champions are defined by how they rise when everything is on the line.