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The finale to the F1 drivers' title is perfectly poised after the triple championship challengers secured positions at the sharp end of the starting lineup for Sunday's Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen put in a stunning display of the campaign – and of his illustrious career – to take a blistering pole position.

The McLaren driver Lando Norris, who heads into the race as championship favourite with a 12-point lead over Verstappen, is alongside the Dutch driver on the front row.

The British driver's team-mate Oscar Piastri, sixteen points behind the summit, will begin from third, alongside Mercedes' George Russell on the second row.

The Simple Maths for Norris

For Norris, the maths are simple – his objective is straightforward.

The 26-year-old will be champion for the first occasion if he secures a top-three finish, irrespective of anyone else's result.

Verstappen, 28, would clinch a fifth straight title if he wins the race with Norris finishing fourth, or if he is second and Norris is lower than seventh.

Australian Piastri, 24, requires some kind of misfortune to befall his rivals if he is to win his first title. He will also head into the race knowing that there is a possibility he might be instructed to yield position and assist Norris secure the title if his own chances have faded.

What Moves Will Verstappen Play?

Norris was brief after qualifying fairly concise. He appears striving to keep himself settled and calm as he experiences the biggest weekend of his career.

That's understandable. Even though his route to the championship is seemingly simple, the fact Verstappen's is not could render the championship leader's race an uncomfortable one.

With the title on the line, and winning the grand prix not sufficient on its own for Verstappen, the race is probably not going to be simple. What Verstappen and Red Bull might try to get in Norris' way remains unknown.

"No idea," Norris said, when asked whether he anticipated Verstappen to try to slow him into the pack. "I expect everything. So we'll find out."

Verstappen was asked the identical query. His answer was to note that such tactics are more difficult to execute now, since track modifications have made it more flowing.

"The track was configured differently," Verstappen said. "I feel like now you get towed around a lot more. So it's not as easy to do that."

He continued: "I want to win tomorrow, but I also know that that's not enough. So I just hope for some Yas Marina drama that unfolds behind me. We shall see what we get."

That comment about "Abu Dhabi magic" evokes memories of a past race where championship fate was completely reversed by strategy errors.

McLaren boss Andrea Stella, who was involved in that painful race in 2010, has emphasised to his team the strength of their season has been and that "setbacks are inevitable".

As Verstappen summarised: "Many things can work in your favour, can go against you, and we discover tomorrow."

There is also the potential of a collision at the first corner – a scenario Piastri and Verstappen were involved in there last year.

Norris, in his position, has the luxury of being able to be cautious at the start.

Piastri, when asked about excitement at Turn One, remarked: "Turn One I'm not sure," he said, "{but I'll have some handy."

He was also queried what he had learned about title showdowns. His reply was succinct: "Unexpected events can happen. That's what I've learnt."

Norris 'Carries the Burden on His Shoulders'

For each contender, and their teams, the tension will build in the hours before the race.

Even Verstappen, who has looked relaxation personified so far, admitted to some anxiety before qualifying, but said that he used them to help him perform.

Commentator and former champion Damon Hill, speaking from experience, emphasised the critical nature of calmness.

"The way through this is to just focus on what you do for a living," Hill said. "You speak to the engineers and try to make the car go faster... When you have things on your mind, you can't concentrate."

"It's like when you lie down in bed at night, there's that moment before you go to sleep? You try sleeping when you might become world champion or not. Rest is essential."

"The pressure is immense. It's what you've always wanted. Lando carries a burden on his shoulders... on Sunday he'll know whether he has crossed that threshold and joined that exclusive club of world champions."

The scene is set. The contenders are lined up. The F1 world championship will be decided under the floodlights of Abu Dhabi.