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The finale to the F1 world championship is perfectly poised after the three title contenders qualified together at the front of the starting lineup for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The Red Bull of Max Verstappen put in a stunning display of the campaign – in his stellar career – to take a scintillating pole position.

The McLaren driver Lando Norris, who enters the race as championship favourite with a twelve-point lead over Verstappen, is next to the Dutchman on the first row.

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

The Straightforward Maths for The Leader

For Norris, the maths are simple – and the task looks the same.

The 26 year old will be champion for the first time if he finishes on the podium, irrespective of anyone else's result.

Verstappen, 28, would clinch a fifth consecutive title if he takes victory with Norris finishing fourth, or if he is runner-up and Norris finishes outside seventh.

Australian Piastri, 24, requires some form of drama to happen to his rivals if he is to win his maiden championship. He also approaches the race aware that there is a chance he could be asked to yield position and help Norris secure the title if his own hopes are over.

What Cards Will Verstappen Play?

Norris kept his answers after qualifying fairly concise. He seems to be working hard to keep himself composed and focused as he navigates the most intense weekend of his career.

That's understandable. Even though his path to the title is relatively straightforward, the fact Verstappen's is not could render the points leader's race an difficult one.

With the championship at stake, and winning the grand prix not sufficient on its own for Verstappen, the race is unlikely to be simple. The tactics Verstappen may employ to get in Norris' way remains unknown.

"No idea," Norris said, when questioned if he anticipated Verstappen to try to back him into the pack. "Anything is possible. So we'll find out."

Verstappen faced the identical query. His response was to note that such tactics are more difficult to execute now, since changes to the circuit have made it more flowing.

"The track was configured differently," Verstappen stated. "In my opinion 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 victory alone is insufficient. So I just hope for some Yas Marina drama that happens behind me. So let's see what we get."

That comment about "Abu Dhabi magic" is clearly a reference to a past race where championship fate was turned upside down by pitwall miscalculations.

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

As Verstappen summarised: "Many things can go well for you, can work against you, and we find out tomorrow."

There is also the possibility of a collision at the opening turn – a scenario Piastri and Verstappen were involved in there last year.

Norris, in his favourable 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 deciders. His answer was succinct: "Funny things can happen. That's what I've learnt."

Norris 'Carries the Burden on His Shoulders'

For all three, and their teams, the pressure will mount in the hours before the race.

Even Verstappen, who has appeared utterly relaxed so far, admitted to some nerves before qualifying, but said that he fed off them to help him perform.

Commentator and ex-title winner Damon Hill, speaking from experience, highlighted the critical nature of calmness.

"How to handle this is to just concentrate on what you do for a living," Hill said. "You work with the engineers and try to make the car go faster... Once you have things rattling around your head, 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."

"It's intense. It's what you've always wanted. Lando carries a burden on his shoulders... on Sunday he'll know whether he has made it and joined that exclusive club of title winners."

The scene is set. The contenders are in position. The F1 world championship will be settled under the lights of Abu Dhabi.