F1 grid: Starting positions for Abu Dhabi Grand Prix

Story byKieran JacksonSat, December 6, 2025 at 3:03 PM UTC·3 min readF1 heads to the season-finale at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with the drivers’ championship still up for grabs after a dramatic penultimate round in Qatar. Lando Norris saw his lead cut to 12 points after McLaren’s botched strategy in Lusail allowed Max Verstappen to claim a vital victory, which puts the Red Bull driver up to second in the standings. AdvertisementAdvertisementAdvertisementFOLLOW LIVE: F1 Abu Dhabi GP updatesOscar Piastri was left fuming after McLaren’s decision not to pit their drivers early on cost him a race victory and the Australian, who was leading the championship from April to October, is now 16 points off Norris heading into the final round this Sunday. For Norris, it is simple: a podium finish means he will claim his maiden championship. Anything less and Verstappen could complete a sensational comeback and win his fifth consecutive title. Piastri needs to win the race and hope his rivals fall down the order to claim what is now an improbable title. Follow live coverage of the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with The IndependentWhat is the starting grid?