The qualifying session for the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit on December 7, 2024, was a showcase of McLaren’s dominance, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri locking out the front row. Norris secured pole position with a time of 1:22.595, narrowly edging out teammate Piastri, who posted a 1:22.804.
McLaren’s performance underscored their competitive edge, setting the stage for a potential Constructors’ Championship victory. Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz secured third place with a time of 1:22.824, while Nico HΓΌlkenberg delivered an impressive performance for Haas, qualifying fourth at 1:22.886. Red Bull’s Max Verstappen rounded out the top five with a 1:22.945.
Notably, Charles Leclerc of Ferrari faced challenges, being eliminated in Q2 after his best lap time was deleted for exceeding track limits.
Lewis Hamilton’s session was compromised when a bollard dislodged by Kevin Magnussen damaged his car during his final qualifying lap, resulting in an 18th-place start for his final race with Mercedes.
Full Qualifying Results
- Lando Norris (McLaren) β 1:22.595
- Oscar Piastri (McLaren) β 1:22.804
- Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) β 1:22.824
- Nico HΓΌlkenberg (Haas) β 1:22.886
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull Racing) β 1:22.945
- Pierre Gasly (Alpine) β 1:22.984
- George Russell (Mercedes) β 1:23.132
- Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) β 1:23.268
- Valtteri Bottas (Alfa Romeo) β 1:23.283
- Sergio PΓ©rez (Red Bull Racing) β 1:23.794
- Esteban Ocon (Alpine) β 1:23.548
- Yuki Tsunoda (AlphaTauri) β 1:23.640
- Kevin Magnussen (Haas) β 1:23.722
- Zhou Guanyu (Alfa Romeo) β 1:23.794
- Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) β 1:23.794
- Alexander Albon (Williams) β 1:23.794
- Logan Sargeant (Williams) β 1:23.794
- Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) β 1:23.794
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) β 1:23.794
- Liam Lawson (AlphaTauri) β 1:23.794
This qualifying session set the stage for an exciting race, with McLaren poised to capitalise on their front-row advantage and Ferrari aiming to challenge their dominance. The grid positions also hinted at potential strategic battles, especially with key drivers starting from the back due to penalties and mishaps.
Picture credit here, AP Pic.
