SportsVerstappen Takes Pole Position For Abu Dhabi GP

Verstappen Takes Pole Position For Abu Dhabi GP

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December 11, (THEWILL) – Max Verstappen set a blazing lap in qualifying to beat Sir Lewis Hamilton to the pole position in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. In Q3, Red Bull executed a tactical masterclass by putting Sergio Perez in front of Verstappen and giving him a key chunk of slipstream.

It could have made a difference, because he crossed the finish line in 1:22.109. But, the lap left Verstappen 0.371 clear of Hamilton, meaning the Brit will start the race in second.

“Great teamwork, great job,” Christian Horner, the Red bull chief said on race radio. Joint-leading driver
Verstappen added: “It is an amazing feeling. It has been a bit on and off so far, so incredibly pleased with it. I am now looking forward to tomorrow.”

Glo

Hamilton, who was fastest in final practice, said: “Max did a great lap, we could not compete with that. We are in a good position with our tyres tomorrow. The last lap was nice and clean, I just could not go any quicker.

“I am still on the front row, so we can navigate things from there.”

Lando Norris came in third, followed by Perez in fourth. Valtteri Bottas, Hamilton’s Mercedes teammate, sits in sixth place.

Verstappen will start on faster tyres and has an eight-meter edge off the line. The Red Bull driver was obliged to go out on the softs in Q2 due to a lock-up on the mediums, in order to avoid starting the race on a tyre with a flat area.

“The flat spot was not ideal, and it kind of forced our hand,” Horner said. “We will be on different tyres now to Mercedes, so we will see how that plays out.”

Verstappen has a good chance of securing track position because the softs are quicker off the line.
It is all to play for, as Verstappen will win the championship if he finishes ahead of Hamilton. If both teams fail to complete, the championship will go to the Dutchman on a countback of most wins – assuming no penalties.

About the Author

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Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.

Jude Obafemi, THEWILLhttps://thewillnews.com
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.

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