Illuminated qualifying, final dances, and a rookie ceremony—after the laps, a final result that can be considered familiar. This is how the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and the final qualifying of the 2024 Formula 1 season unfolded.
After the first "real" timed laps of Q1, Carlos Sainz, Max Verstappen, and Kevin Magnussen were leading, but due to the rapidly changing conditions, it was almost certain that this would not be the final order of the leg. The world order was soon upset, as Valtteri Bottas slipped between the two Scuderia Ferraris and became second, making it through to Q2, while Lewis Hamilton, who was saying goodbye to Mercedes, was eliminated due to an unfortunate incident. It turned out that Kevin Magnussen knocked over a cone, unfortunately right under Hamilton's car, who, upon braking, found himself without a guard for his fastest lap... In addition to him, the two Williams drivers, Guanyu Zhou and Jack Doohan, who was completing his first F1 qualifying, were also forced to say goodbye early from the fight.
In Q2, Verstappen and the two McLarens were at their best, but then we witnessed a dramatic turnaround. Sainz, Verstappen, and Nico Hülkenberg were the first to advance to Q3, but what was far more interesting was the list of last-place finishers and those eliminated. While Valtteri Bottas, also eliminated, propelled Alfa Romeo into Q3 with a sensational drive, Ferrari couldn't laugh or cry, as Leclerc, behind Sainz, was eliminated for going off the track, and will thus start from last place in tomorrow's race. Alongside him, the two Visa RB drivers, Lance Stroll and Kevin Magnussen, were unavailable.
Q3 began with an incredible, humorous save from Verstappen, but the Dutchman was still able to stay on top with this lap—one he still had time to spare. Behind him, Norris and Sainz held the top spots after the first attempts, and not surprisingly, Hülkenberg was at the wheel of the Haas. Ultimately, Verstappen failed to pull off a miracle, so qualifying was won by Lando Norris, followed by Oscar Piastri and Carlos Sainz. But the field is very close, and an exciting season finale is in store. We can't wait to see it!
