Qualifying Results | Verstappen on pole in Abu Dhabi with Hamilton 16th

Max Verstappen took pole position for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after a superb lap in Q3 for Red Bull.

The four-time world champion was aided by a tow from his teammate Yuki Tsunoda down the back straight. By contrast, Lewis Hamilton had a difficult day and will start in 16th place.

Lando Norris will start second on the grid in Abu Dhabi after setting a 1:22.4, two tenths slower than Verstappen.

The other McLaren, Oscar Piastri, will start third on the grid and needs to finish first or second to have a chance of taking his first world title.

Outside the top three, George Russell will start fourth, while Charles Leclerc put in an admirable performance to round out the top five.

Fernando Alonso scored sixth on the grid for Aston Martin ahead of Gabriel Bortoleto and Esteban Ocon.

The top 10 on the grid will be completed by Isack Hadjar and Yuki Tsunoda, who will be replaced by the Frenchman for 2026.

Mercedes had a mixed Q2 session as Russell set the pace, with Kimi Antonelli down in P14 for the German team.

Hamilton was eliminated from qualifying in Q1 and will start tomorrow's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix from 16th place.

The seven-time world champion failed to make the cut alongside Alex Albon and Nico Hulkenberg. The two Alpine's will make up the back row with Pierre Gasly 19th ahead of Franco Colapinto.

P1 Max Verstappen (Red Bull) 1:22.207

P2 Lando Norris (McLaren) 1:22.408

P3 Oscar Piastri (McLaren) 1:22.437

P4 George Russell (Mercedes) 1:22.645

P5 Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) 1:22.730

P6 Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) 1:22.902

P7 Gabriel Bortoleto (Sauber) 1:22.904

P8 Esteban Ocon (Haas) 1:22.913

P9 Isack Hadjar (Racing Bulls) 1:23.072

P10 Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull) 1:23.386

P11 Oliver Bearman (Haas) 1:23.041

P12 Carlos Sainz (Williams) 1:23.042

P13 Liam Lawson (Racing Bulls) 1:23.077

P14 Kimi Antonelli (Mercedes) 1:23.080

P15 Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) 1:23.097

P16 Lewis Hamilton (Ferrari) 1:23.394

P17 Alex Albon (Williams) 1:23.416

P18 Nico Hulkenberg (Sauber) 1:23.450

P19 Pierre Gasly (Alpine) 1:23.468

P20 Franco Colapinto (Alpine) 1:23.890