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The finale to the F1 world championship could hardly be better set up after the triple championship challengers 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 – and of his illustrious career – to secure a scintillating pole position.

McLaren's Lando Norris, who heads into 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, 16 points off the lead, will begin from third, alongside the Mercedes of George Russell on the row two.

The Simple Equation for The Leader

For Norris, the equation is clear – and the task looks the same.

The 26-year-old will clinch the title for the first occasion if he finishes on the podium, irrespective 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 runner-up and Norris is lower than seventh.

The Australian Piastri, 24, needs some form of drama to befall his competitors if he is to claim his maiden championship. He also approaches the race knowing that there is a possibility he might be instructed to yield position and assist Norris win if his own chances have faded.

What Cards Will Verstappen Play?

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

That's understandable. Even though his path to the title is seemingly simple, the fact Verstappen's is not threatens to make the championship leader's race an difficult one.

With the title on the line, and winning the grand prix not sufficient on its own for Verstappen, the race is probably not going to be simple. What Verstappen and Red Bull might try to disrupt Norris's race remains unknown.

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

Verstappen was asked the identical query. His response was to note that it would be harder to execute now, as track modifications have made it more flowing.

"It was a different layout," Verstappen stated. "In my opinion now you receive a slipstream around a lot more. So it's not as easy to do that."

He continued: "My goal is victory on Sunday, but I also know that that's not enough. So I just hope for some Abu Dhabi magic that unfolds behind me. We shall see what we get."

That comment about "Abu Dhabi magic" is clearly a reference to a historic race where title destiny 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 how strong their season has been and that "bumps on the road are unavoidable".

As Verstappen summarised: "Many things can work in your favour, can go against you, and we discover tomorrow."

There is also the possibility of contact at the first corner – a situation Piastri and Verstappen experienced there last year.

Norris, in his position, has the luxury of being able to be cautious at the start.

Piastri, when asked about excitement at Turn One, said: "I'm uncertain about the first corner," he said, "{but I'll have some handy."

He was also queried what he had learned about title deciders. His reply was succinct: "Unexpected events can happen. That's what I've learnt."

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 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.

"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 on your mind, you can't concentrate."

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

"The pressure is immense. 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 elite group of world champions."

The scene is prepared. The contenders are lined up. The F1 world championship will be decided under the floodlights of Abu Dhabi.