HIGHLIGHTS: Watch the action from Abu Dhabi Qualifying as Verstappen storms to pole over title rivals Norris and Piastri

Max Verstappen secured a critical pole position for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, pipping Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to the top spot to put himself in the best place to chase down his fifth world title.

The Dutchman, who is 12 points away from Norris’ lead in the Standings, took provisional pole after the first laps in Q3, which proved to be enough – no one could beat his time except him as he went even faster on his second lap, ending the session on 1m 22.207s.

Norris’ final effort saw him beat his team mate by just 0.029s in another incredibly competitive session, with Mercedes’ George Russell taking fourth place ahead of a much improved Charles Leclerc.

Elsewhere, the second Ferrari of Lewis Hamilton suffered his third consecutive Q1 exit after recovering from a crash in FP3, leaving him to start the race from 16th place.

To watch the action from Qualifying at the Yas Marina Circuit, click go on the video player above.