Overview
- The grid is set with Max Verstappen on pole ahead of McLaren’s Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, followed by George Russell and Charles Leclerc.
- Championship scenarios reported by outlets indicate Verstappen likely must win with Norris finishing fourth or lower, while Norris would clinch with any podium and Piastri needs a victory or specific results ahead of his rivals.
- Franco Colapinto was knocked out in Q1 after lap deletions for track limits and will start 20th, with Alpine acknowledging persistent lack of grip and pace.
- Broadcasters list the race live on Disney+ (Plan Premium), Fox Sports and F1 TV Pro for the season-ending event at Yas Marina.
- Abu Dhabi closes the current rules era, with Pirelli’s softer C3–C5 compounds in use and teams eyeing post‑race testing ahead of the 2026 technical reset.