Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: Confirmed starting grid with penalties applied

Max Verstappen took a crucial pole position for the F1 season finale in Abu Dhabi after stunning Lewis Hamilton in qualifying at the Yas Marina Circuit.

The Mercedes driver will start on mediums with the Dutchman on the soft compound Pirelli tyres which could provide a tantalising strategic battle in the grand prix.

Lando Norris starts third with the best seat in the house to watch the title battle unfold, with the second Red Bull of Sergio Perez fourth, hoping to use his soft tyres to assist his team-mate and cause Hamilton a headache.

Carlos Sainz is on the third row for Ferrari alongside Valtteri Bottas who will be hoping to improve on his grid position in his final outing for Mercedes.

Charles Leclerc will begin in seventh with Yuki Tsunoda for company, whilst Esteban Ocon and Daniel Ricciardo complete the top 10.

Fernando Alonso will start 11th and Sebastian Vettel 15th with both drivers frustrated by traffic in Q2.

Nikita Mazepin has been forced to withdraw from the race after testing positive for Covid-19.

Here is the full grid:

#F1 - Final Starting Grid for the #AbuDhabiGP 🇦🇪 ⬇ pic.twitter.com/QyELVZwNd9

— FIA (@fia) December 12, 2021

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