Lando Norris looked frustrated next to a composed Max Verstappen after qualifying for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix placed the Briton in second. The Dutchman secured pole with a commanding performance at the Yas Marina Circuit, two-tenths ahead of the McLaren driver.
Norris looked confident throughout practice sessions leading up to today, and with a 12-point lead going into the race, he only needs to finish on the podium to win his first championship. But starting second tomorrow isn't exactly what he would have wanted, as he remains focused on taking the win at Sunday's grand prix.
"It's tough. Max did a good job, so congrats to him," he said following qualifying.
"We did everything we could. I think my lap was pretty good, I was pretty happy. Of course, disappointed to not be on pole for the final weekend but we were just not fast enough today, so we will try and do it tomorrow."
While history may be working against the chances of Norris finishing first tomorrow, starting on the front row is still a solid position to begin his campaign from. His team-mate Oscar Piastri starts behind him in P3, followed by Mercedes' George Russell. With track position being important at Yas Marina, this is good news for Norris as he fights a lone, albeit fast, Red Bull.
Asked how he will approach the race given his position, Norris isn't yet sure.
"The time will come I think of that but, for now, disappointed to not be on pole. I still want to win tomorrow so that's going to be the goal."
Piastri also looked disappointed following his run to start third.
"The lap I did in Q1 was nice, to finally get into a rhythm for the weekend, and the last lap in Q3 was pretty good as well - there wasn't a lot left in that.
"Just not quite quick enough but it sets up a pretty exciting day tomorrow."
Piastri will need to score 17 more points than Norris and five more points than Verstappen if he wants to win the championship. Not an impossible task, but something he may well struggle with unless there are external circumstances.
Photos from Abu Dhabi GP - Practice & Qualifying
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
Abu Dhabi GP - Saturday, in photos
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