McLaren on brink of F1 title with Abu Dhabi rout

Lando Norris has taken pole position for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, besting team-mate Oscar Piastri to the top spot.

It has placed McLaren on the brink of the F1 title as it looks to claim its first constructors' championship in 26 years.

Rivals Ferrari endured a difficult session with Charles Leclerc set to start at the back of the grid with an early qualifying exit and 10-place grid penalty.

Carlos Sainz was third fastest in the second Ferrari ahead of a shock display for Nico Hulkenberg, who will line up alongside the Spaniard on the second row.

Four-time champion Max Verstappen could only manage fifth ahead of ex-F1 team-mate Pierre Gasly.

George Russell was the leading Mercedes as team-mate Lewis Hamilton suffered a Q1 exit after a bollard became stuck underneath his car during his final lap.

Valtteri Bottas surprised with a strong Q3 entry and out-paced the under-pressure Sergio Perez. Both were bested by Fernando Alonso in eighth.

Disaster for Ferrari

Leclerc found himself eliminated in the second segment of qualifying after exceeding track limits at Turn 1.

The Monegasque driver went over the white lines and had his best effort deleted - dropping him to the back of the field with a 10-place grid penalty also applied.

It marks a severe blow for Ferrari who is looking to overthrow McLaren at the head of the constructors' championship at the final round.

RB saw both of its cars drop out in Q2 with Tsunoda and Lawson ending the day in 11th and 12th respectively.

Lance Stroll and Kevin Magnussen split Leclerc in the Q2 pecking order - however the duo will move together on row seven for the start of Sunday's race.

Williams suffered a double Q1 exit with Albon leading Colapinto.

However, the pair are both set to start the grand prix at the back of the field as both have five-place grid penalties for new gearboxes this weekend.

The penalties will promote debutant Jack Doohan up to 17th place, where he will take the start alongside Hamilton.

Zhou Guanyu also failed to get out of the opening segment in his final event for Stake.