A glittering qualifying session, final dances and a rookie challenge - after a series of twists and turns, it was a familiar result. This was the final qualifying session for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and the 2024 Formula 1 season.
After the first “real” laps of Q1, the trio of Carlos Sainz, Max Verstappen, and Kevin Magnussen were in the lead, but due to the rapidly changing conditions, it was almost certain that this would not be the final order of the stage. The world order was soon turned upside down, as Valtteri Bottas, sandwiched between the two Scuderia Ferraris, became second and made it to Q2, while Lewis Hamilton, who was bidding farewell to Mercedes, was eliminated due to an extremely unfortunate incident. It happened that Kevin Magnussen knocked out a buoy, unfortunately right under Hamilton's car, who, braking like this, went on his fast lap unarmed... In addition, the two Williams, Guanyu Zhou, and Jack Doohan, who completed his first F1 qualification, were forced to say goodbye to further battles early.
In Q2, Verstappen and the two McLarens showed themselves on top, and then we saw drama. Sainz, Verstappen and Nico Hülkenberg were the first to advance to Q3, but the list of those who advanced and those who dropped out was much more interesting. While Valtteri Bottas, who was also leaving, sent Alfa Romeo into Q3 with a sensational lead, Ferrari didn't really know whether to laugh or cry, as Leclerc, who was behind Sainz, was eliminated due to a track exit, and will therefore start from last place in tomorrow's race. Alongside him, the two Visa RBs, Lance Stroll and Kevin Magnussen, had no further progress.
Q3 started with Verstappen's amazing save, humorous, but the Dutchman managed to stay in the lead even with this lap - in which there was a lot of time left. Behind him were Norris and Sainz on the list after the first shots, and to no small surprise Hülkenberg at the wheel of the Haas. In the end, Verstappen failed to perform a miracle, so Lando Norris won the qualifying session ahead of Oscar Piastri and Carlos Sainz, but the field is very close, an exciting season finale is expected. We are looking forward to it!
