George Russell believes Max Verstappen will intentionally back up the pack during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix if he retains the lead at the start of the race.
The Dutchman starts from pole at the Yas Marina Circuit, ahead of F1 drivers' championship leader Lando Norris, with Oscar Piastri third.
READ MORE: George Russell suggests Max Verstappen strategy plan for F1 title victory
Zak Brown fires 'game on' claim as Max Verstappen F1 title threat intensifies
McLaren CEO Zak Brown has fired that it is "game on" for the F1 drivers' title in the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, following Max Verstappen securing pole position.
Verstappen came alive in the final part of qualifying to comfortably beat Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to pole at the Yas Marina Circuit, by over one-tenth of a second.
READ MORE: Zak Brown fires 'game on' claim as Max Verstappen F1 title threat intensifies
McLaren send firm title warning after 'symbolic' qualifying session
Andrea Stella has sent McLaren the clear message that the team "need to deliver" in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to ensure either Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri wins the F1 drivers' championship.
The team-mates start the 58-lap race at the Yas Marina Circuit from second and third on the grid, with the third title protagonist, Max Verstappen, having secured pole position.
READ MORE: McLaren send firm title warning after 'symbolic' qualifying session
Helmut Marko reveals Max Verstappen conversation before Abu Dhabi pole 'magic'
Red Bull advisor Helmut Marko has revealed a conversation he had with Max Verstappen before he claimed pole position for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The four-time world champion delivered two sensational laps in the final part of qualifying to defeat both McLaren drivers to pole at the Yas Marina Circuit.
READ MORE: Helmut Marko reveals Max Verstappen conversation before Abu Dhabi pole 'magic'
Liam Lawson 'hurt' by Racing Bulls planning: 'It played too much into our minds'
Liam Lawson has revealed to being "hurt" by Racing Bulls' "conservative" approach to qualifying for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix due to a particular scenario it had on its mind.
In an astonishing Q2 at the Yas Marina Circuit, the bottom eight drivers were covered by a remarkable 0.076s, from Oscar Piastri in his McLaren in eighth down to 15th-placed Lance Stroll in his Aston Martin.
READ MORE: Liam Lawson 'hurt' by Racing Bulls planning: 'It played too much into our minds'
Full starting grid for 2025 F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
Max Verstappen will start his hunt for a fifth straight F1 crown from pole in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
Two qualifying laps in Q3 were good enough for pole as the world champion beat both rivals Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri.
READ MORE: Full starting grid for 2025 F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
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