Pole in Abu Dhabi gives Verstappen title edge over Hamilton

Max Verstappen gained a potentially decisive advantage in his epic battle with Lewis Hamilton for the Formula One world title on Saturday by claiming pole for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, prompting Mercedes boss Toto Wolff to say it was "1-0" to Red Bull.

Verstappen goes into the season-closing race level on points with Hamilton, who took second in qualifying to join the Red Bull driver on the front row.

Lando Norris was a surprise third to park his McLaren on the second row alongside Verstappen's teammate Sergio Perez.

VERSTAPPEN TO WIN (2.10)

The last six winners in Abu Dhabi have all started from the front of the grid, with Verstappen victorious from pole last year.

Hamilton, seeking a historic eighth world title, was favourite to secure the final pole of 2021 after his Mercedes left Verstappen's Red Bull trailing in his wake in practice.

But after Red Bull's mechanics worked on Verstappen's car overnight, the Dutchman produced a blistering flying lap in Q3, with a little help from Perez.

The Mexican was sent out ahead of Verstappen to give him 'a tow' down the long straight before sacrificing his own lap by bailing off at Turn 9.

Verstappen's time of 1min 22.109sec left Hamilton over half a second behind.

With qualifying wrapped up, the stage is set for the closing chapter of a gripping season which for the first time since 1974 sees the two title challengers neck and neck entering the final straight.

© Agence France-Presse