Verstappen beats Hamilton for pole forward of F1 season finale

Max Verstappen overcame a mistake in qualifying to seize the pole for the Formula One title-deciding Abu Dhabi GP, the place he’ll attempt on Sunday to dethrone seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton.
Verstappen flat-spotted his tires within the second qualifying group Saturday and appeared to present Hamilton the benefit. But the Dutchman salvaged his mistake with a lap at 1 minute, 22.109-seconds round Yas Marina Circuit to place his Red Bull on high.
Hamilton tried to bump him from the pole because the clock wound down on the ultimate qualifying session of the season. But he was .371-seconds slower and can begin second in his Mercedes subsequent to his rival.
Lando Norris for McLaren was a shock third — beating out each Verstappen and Hamilton’s teammates. Sergio Perez was fourth for Red Bull, adopted by Carlos Sainz of Ferrari and finally Hamilton’s outgoing Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas in a disappointing sixth.

Verstappen and Hamilton head into Sunday’s finale tied within the championship standings, the primary time the title contenders are even going into the deciding race since 1974. Hamilton is in search of a record-breaking eighth title to move Michael Schumacher, whereas Verstappen will attempt to change into the primary Dutch champion.
Hamilton was loudly booed after the session by the sold-out crowd, which was closely pro-Verstappen and clad of their trademark orange gear.
“We’ve got a great crowd here, regardless of the boos,” mentioned Hamilton. “I couldn’t beat that time that he did; he deserved the pole.”
The polesitter has gained the final six races at Abu Dhabi. Verstappen led all 55 laps in a dominating victory final 12 months.