2025 F1 Abu Dhabi GP: Qualifying Predictions

The first day of running in the F1 Abu Dhabi GP is done and dusted, and we had championship leader Lando Norris at the top of the timesheets. The Brit put together a strong enough lap that propelled him to the top of the standings with Max Verstappen around 3 tenths behind him.

The first day of running in the F1 Abu Dhabi GP is often all about trying to understand the cars and optimize the setups. With that done, we're heading towards the business end of the weekend, where teams will be hoping to nail the qualifying and secure the best possible grid position for Sunday.

With that being said, what can we expect from the F1 Abu Dhabi GP qualifying? Let's take a look.

#5 It's going to be very close in qualifying

The gaps in the final qualifying simulation were bigger than what has generally been the case this weekend, and a part of it could be put down to the timing of the laps and the fuel loads that the teams were running.

The gaps in qualifying are going to be very small this time around, and drivers are going to make a difference.

#4 Except Alpine and Aston Martin, every midfield team could potentially reach Q3

It does appear that the long straights are hurting Aston Martin. Alpine, on the other hand, has been a step behind everyone in general this season. While we could see these teams potentially making it to Q2, Q3 will be a step too far.

#3 Yuki Tsunoda and Lewis Hamilton won't make it to Q3

In the F1 Abu Dhabi GP qualifying, it is all going to come down to how well a driver can execute a lap. The gaps are going to be very small, and unless you're putting your best foot forward, you're going to struggle.

That's where we think both Yuki Tsunoda and Lewis Hamilton, two drivers who don't seem to be the most comfortable in their respective cars, are going to struggle.

It's going to be a struggle for everyone involved to get into Q3, and we don't think either of the two will.

#2 Max Verstappen will qualify in the top 3

Red Bull has appeared to be a handy package overall this weekend, and even though Lando Norris put together a pretty daunting lap in the end, Max Verstappen still has a pretty competitive car under him.

Is it good enough to secure a pole position? Probably not, but the driver should be able to put together a lap good enough for a top 3 start at the very least.

#1 Lando Norris secures pole position for the F1 Abu Dhabi GP

The pole position is going to be contested between the McLaren duo and Max Verstappen, and it does appear that the Brit has the edge in the last sector. Oscar Piastri will make progress overnight and in FP3, but Norris seems to be nailing everything at the moment, and we're backing the championship leader to start the race in pole position.