Floodlit qualifying, final dances, and the introduction of new drivers – after a few twists and turns, a result that could be described as normal. This was the final qualifying session for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and the 2024 Formula 1 season.
After the first "real" measured laps in Q1, the trio of Carlos Sainz, Max Verstappen, and Kevin Magnussen led the way, but due to the rapidly changing conditions, it was almost certain that this would not be the final order of the stage finish. Soon, the world was thrown into disarray, as Valtteri Bottas moved between the two Scuderia Ferraris into second place and qualified for Q2, while Lewis Hamilton, who was leaving Mercedes, was eliminated due to a very unfortunate incident. Kevin Magnussen, unfortunately, went around a buoy, directly underneath Hamilton's car, who thus, defenseless, went into his fast lap under braking. Alongside him, the two Williams drivers, Guanyu Zhou and Jack Doohan, who was completing his first F1 qualifying, also had to withdraw early from further battles.
In Q2, Verstappen and the two McLarens showed what they were capable of, and then we witnessed drama. Sainz, Verstappen, and Nico Hülkenberg qualified first for Q3, but the list of last-place finishers and those eliminated was much more interesting. While Valtteri Bottas, who also retired, catapulted Alfa Romeo into Q3 with a sensational drive, Ferrari didn't really know whether to laugh or cry, because behind Sainz, Leclerc simply retired due to a track limit and will therefore start tomorrow's race from the back of the grid. Alongside him, the two Visa RB drivers, Lance Stroll and Kevin Magnussen, were unable to progress.
Q3 began with an incredible save by Verstappen, humorous, but the Dutchman managed to stay in the lead with this lap – in which he still had plenty of time. Behind him were Norris and Sainz on the list after the initial shots, and, to everyone's surprise, Hülkenberg at the wheel of the Haas. Ultimately, Verstappen failed to pull off a miracle, so Lando Norris won the qualifying ahead of Oscar Piastri and Carlos Sainz, but the field looks very tight, and it's shaping up to be an exciting end to the season. We're excited!
