Qualifying under the lights, final dances, and the induction of the rookies—after some twists and turns, a final result that may seem routine. Here's how the final qualifying session for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and the 2024 Formula 1 season unfolded.
After the first "real" timed laps of Q1, Carlos Sainz, Max Verstappen, and Kevin Magnussen occupied the top positions, but due to the changing conditions, it was almost certain that this would not be the final order of the stage. The order of the world was quickly upset, as by slipping between the two Scuderia Ferraris, Valtteri Bottas became second and qualified for Q2, while Lewis Hamilton, who was experiencing elimination at Mercedes, was eliminated due to an extremely unfortunate incident. Indeed, Kevin Magnussen hit a cone, unluckily falling under Hamilton's car, who was therefore left braking, defenseless, during his flying lap... Apart from him, the two Williams, Guanyu Zhou and Jack Doohan, who was qualifying for the first time in F1, had to say a premature goodbye to the upcoming battles.
In Q2, Verstappen and the two McLarens showed their potential, then we witnessed some drama. Sainz, Verstappen, and Nico Hülkenberg were the first to qualify for Q3, but the list of late qualifiers and those eliminated was much more interesting. Indeed, while Valtteri Bottas, also eliminated, pulled the Alfa Romeo into Q3 with a sensational drive, Ferrari didn't really know whether to laugh or cry, as Leclerc, behind Sainz, was eliminated due to a track departure, and he will therefore start massively from last place in tomorrow's race. Alongside him, the two Visa RBs, Lance Stroll and Kevin Magnussen, had no follow-up.
Q3 began with an incredible, humorous recovery from Verstappen, but the Dutchman managed to stay in front with this lap - in which he still had plenty of time. Behind him, Norris and Sainz were on the list after the first shots, and to everyone's surprise, Hulkenberg was at the wheel of the Haas. Ultimately, Verstappen couldn't pull off a miracle, so qualifying was won by Lando Norris ahead of Oscar Piastri and Carlos Sainz, but the field is very close, and we have an exciting season finale ahead. We can't wait to see!
