Verstappen keeps pressure on with Abu Dhabi pole

Contrary to popular belief, it is seldom we see or hear the full-blooded array of emotions we know Max Verstappen possesses deep in his psyche. Max 2.0 is no longer “Mad Max”; this is the new-and-improved version, still laser-focused but ultimately happier-than-ever. Four F1 titles in the cabinet, a fifth is a simple bonus. And it is that mantra which is inching him ever closer to an unprecedented comeback.

- KIERAN JACKSON

Yet last night under the Yas Marina bulbs, the Dutchman couldn’t resist a recrudescence. “Let’s fucking go, that was insane,” Verstappen beamed over team radio, immediately after setting not one but two laps worthy of a dominant pole position at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. In this most intriguing of season-deciders, Red Bull have struck the first blow.

Tantalisingly, all three title protagonists occupy the leading spots on today’s grid. Come 5pm local time, championship leader Lando Norris will be racing off the line in spot No 2 with a disadvantage of eight metres. The Briton trailed Verstappen by 0.201 seconds in qualifying; a significant deficit over one lap. Oscar Piastri will be right behind Verstappen in third and will be crossing his fingers for carnage ahead as he looks to overturn a 16-point deficit.

For Norris, the 26-year-old from Somerset, the task is straightforward on paper: a podium secures his maiden title. He is looking to become Britain’s 11th F1 world champion and, armed with the quickest car, an incident-free 58-lap showdown today will be enough. Anything less opens the door for Verstappen.

‘I’m going all out, I have nothing to lose,” the Dutchman said, sandwiched in between the two McLaren drivers in the post-qualifying press conference. “I’m going to try and win the race – if I need to attack, I will attack.