Abu Dhabi, December 11 (BUS): Max Verstappen overcame a qualifying error to snatch the lead in the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix, where he will attempt to oust seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton on Sunday.
Verstappen noticed his tires in the second set of qualifying on Saturday and seemed to give Hamilton the advantage. But the Dutchman saved his mistake with a lap of one minute 22.109 seconds around the Yas Marina circuit to put his own Red Bull ahead.
Hamilton tried to hit him off the pole as the clock stopped for the last qualifying session of the season. But he was 371 seconds slower and would start second in his Mercedes alongside his rival, according to the Associated Press.
Lando Norris for McLaren was a surprise in third place – beating both Verstappen and Hamilton’s teammates.
Sergio Perez finished fourth with Red Bull, followed by Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and finally outgoing Hamilton’s Mercedes teammate Valtteri Bottas in a disappointing sixth.
Verstappen and Hamilton head into Sunday’s final after tying the championship standings, the first time the title contenders have contested the crucial race since 1974.
Hamilton is seeking an eighth title to break the record to overtake Michael Schumacher, while Verstappen will try to become the first Dutch champion.
Hamilton was loudly booed after the session by the sold-out crowd, who were fiercely supportive of Verstappen and dressed in his signature orange outfit.
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