F1 LIVE | Qualifying for the 2023 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

More and more emphatically, the end of the long 2023 F1 season is approaching. One more Grand Prix and one more qualifying, and then teams and drivers can go on holiday. That last qualifying session of the season is about to begin. Who will run away with the last pole of the season? Will Max Verstappen manage to pull a rabbit out of his hat after all, or will George Russell, for instance, surprise? Mercedes' Briton was fastest in FP3.

Prior to the weekend, Red Bull Racing - like every race - was seen as the towering favourite for Abu Dhabi. But during the final free practice, things did not go to plan for the Austrians. Verstappen complained emphatically about his car's set-up and could not threaten Russell at all. The Dutchman finished FP3 in sixth place, by more than seven tenths of a second.

Only Lando Norris was able to keep up with Russell. The McLaren driver was less than a tenth short of outsmarting his compatriot, and no doubt hopes to finish at the front of the grid in qualifying. In any case, McLaren wants to end a difficult but ultimately successful year with a highlight. Having finished second and third enough this season, the British are keen to get that victory in the final race. A first place in qualifying will then come in very handy.