Just In: Abu Dhabi GP qualifying results changed as grid penalty affects Max Verstappen’s…

Abu Dhabi GP qualifying results changed as grid penalty affects Max Verstappen

The qualifying results for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix saw a dramatic shift hours after the session ended, with a penalty altering the final grid order. McLaren emerged on top, with Lando Norris securing pole position. His teammate Oscar Piastri followed closely behind, completing a McLaren front-row lockout, a result that strengthens the team’s chances in the Constructors’ Championship as the season finale looms.

Initially, Haas driver Nico Hulkenberg surprised many by qualifying in fourth position, showcasing an impressive performance. However, a post-qualifying stewards’ review resulted in a three-place grid penalty for Hulkenberg. The penalty was issued due to a breach of regulations, although the specifics of the incident weren’t immediately detailed. As a result, Hulkenberg’s demotion pushed him down to seventh for Sunday’s race.

This change had a ripple effect on the rest of the grid. Reigning world champion Max Verstappen, who had qualified fifth, was promoted to fourth place. While Verstappen has already sealed the drivers’ title for the season, the shift still gives him a better position from which to launch his race, potentially influencing Red Bull’s strategy. Pierre Gasly of Alpine benefitted as well, moving up to fifth, while Mercedes’ George Russell gained a spot to start in sixth place.

For Lewis Hamilton, the qualifying session was one to forget. In what turned out to be his final qualifying run for Mercedes, the seven-time world champion was eliminated in Q1, ending up in a lowly 18th position. His poor performance was due to an unfortunate incident where a dislodged marker board became lodged under his car, severely affecting his lap times. This early exit marks a disappointing conclusion to Hamilton’s 12-year stint with Mercedes, a partnership that has seen him win multiple world championships. Hamilton will be moving to Ferrari for the 2025 season, a highly anticipated switch that has dominated off-track discussions.

Despite the setback, Hamilton remained composed, focusing on ending the season on a positive note during Sunday’s race. Mercedes, too, will be looking for a way to salvage points, especially as the Constructors’ Championship battle remains tight.

Nico Hulkenberg’s penalty is also notable as it comes during his final race for Haas. The 37-year-old German driver is set to move to Sauber in 2025, making this event his last for the American team. Hulkenberg expressed disappointment over the penalty but stayed optimistic, emphasizing that he had maximized the performance of his car under difficult circumstances. He noted that while the grid demotion was unfortunate, he still felt confident about his chances in the race, given Haas’s improvements in recent races.

With these adjustments to the starting lineup, Sunday’s race promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the 2024 Formula 1 season. McLaren’s dominance in qualifying puts them in a strong position to fight for crucial points, but Red Bull, Ferrari, and Mercedes are all eager to end the year on a high note. Additionally, with Hamilton’s upcoming move to Ferrari and Hulkenberg’s final race for Haas, there’s added emotional significance for drivers looking to make a statement in their last race of the season.

The grid changes, combined with the narrative of team and driver transitions, add further intrigue to the final race at Yas Marina Circuit, setting the stage for an intense showdown under the lights

in Abu Dhabi.