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The finale to the F1 world championship is perfectly poised after the three title contenders secured positions at the sharp end of the starting lineup for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The Red Bull of Max Verstappen delivered a stunning display of the season – and of his illustrious career – to secure a scintillating pole position.

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

The British driver's team-mate Oscar Piastri, 16 points off the lead, starts third, with Mercedes' George Russell on the row two.

The Simple Equation for The Leader

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

The 26 year old will clinch the title for the first time if he finishes on the podium, regardless of what his rivals achieve.

Verstappen, 28, could secure a fifth consecutive title if he wins the race with Norris finishing fourth, or if he is second and Norris is lower than seventh.

The Australian Piastri, 24, needs some form of drama to befall his rivals if he is to win his maiden championship. He will also head into the race knowing that there is a chance he might be instructed to move aside and help Norris win if his own hopes are over.

What Cards Will Verstappen Play?

Norris was brief after qualifying fairly concise. He appears striving to keep himself composed and focused as he navigates the biggest weekend of his career.

This is logical. Even though his route to the championship is seemingly simple, the fact Verstappen's is not threatens to make the points leader's race an uncomfortable one.

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

"No idea," Norris said, when asked whether he expected Verstappen to try to back him into the pack. "Anything is possible. So wait and see."

Verstappen faced the identical query. His response was to point out that such tactics are more difficult to execute now, since track modifications have made it more flowing.

"The track was configured differently," Verstappen said. "I feel like 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 that's not enough. So I just hope for some Abu Dhabi magic that unfolds behind me. So let's see what we get."

That remark about "drama at Yas Marina" is clearly a reference to a past race where title destiny was completely reversed by strategy errors.

McLaren boss Andrea Stella, who was involved in that agonising race in 2010, has stressed to his team how strong their season has been and that "bumps on the road are inevitable".

As Verstappen put it: "A lot can work in your favour, 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 position, has the advantage of being able to be cautious at the start.

Piastri, when questioned about action at Turn One, remarked: "Turn One I'm not sure," he said, "{but I'll have some popcorn ready."

He was also asked what he had discovered about title showdowns. His answer was succinct: "Unexpected events can happen. That's what I've learned."

Norris 'Has a Weight on His Shoulders'

For each contender, and their teams, the tension will mount in the hours before the race.

Even Verstappen, who has appeared utterly relaxed so far, admitted to some anxiety before qualifying, but said that he fed off them to enhance his performance.

Commentator and former champion Damon Hill, speaking from experience, highlighted the importance of composure.

"The way through this is to just concentrate on what you do for a living," Hill said. "You speak to the engineers and try to make the car go faster... When you have things rattling around your head, you can't concentrate."

"You know when you lie down in bed at night, there's that moment before you go to sleep? You try sleeping when you can be world champion or not. Rest is essential."

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

The scene is prepared. The protagonists are in position. The Formula 1 world championship will be decided under the floodlights of Abu Dhabi.