Pole position is of major importance in Abu Dhabi

Max Verstappen will start from pole position in Abu Dhabi, as he did in 2020. Last season, the Dutchman turned this first spot on the grid into a victory and this year Verstappen will be keen to repeat that feat. If we look at the statistics of recent years, it seems that pole is very important at the Yas Marina Circuit.

The last six editions of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix have all been won by the driver who started from pole position on the Sunday afternoon. In the hybrid era in Formula 1, only in 2014 has the race not been won from pole. Lewis Hamilton started second in that race and overtook teammate Nico Rosberg to take the win.

More overtaking in 2021?

There has been a fair amount of criticism in recent years that overtaking in Abu Dhabi is difficult - this statistic seems to at least prove that - and that has resulted in the layout being changed. The circuit has undergone some alterations which should make overtaking easier. We will find out tomorrow afternoon whether this really is the case.