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The finale to the Formula 1 drivers' title could hardly be better set up after the triple championship challengers secured positions at the front of the grid for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

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

The McLaren driver Lando Norris, who heads into the race as championship favourite with a twelve-point advantage 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, with the Mercedes of George Russell on the second row.

The Simple Maths for The Leader

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

The 26-year-old will be champion for the first occasion if he finishes on the podium, irrespective of what his rivals achieve.

Verstappen, 28, would clinch 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 kind of misfortune to befall his rivals if he is to claim his maiden championship. He will also head into the race aware that there is a possibility he could be asked to yield position and assist Norris secure the title if his own hopes are over.

What Moves Will Verstappen Play?

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

That's understandable. Although his path to the title is relatively straightforward, the fact Verstappen's is not could render the points leader's race an uncomfortable one.

With the title on the line, and taking race victory not good enough on its own for Verstappen, the race is unlikely to be simple. What Verstappen and Red Bull might try to get in Norris' way is an open question.

"I don't know," Norris said, when asked whether he expected Verstappen to try to back him into the pack. "Anything is possible. So we'll find out."

Verstappen was asked the same question. 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. "In my opinion now you get towed around a lot more. So it's not as easy to do that."

He added: "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 happens behind me. So let's see what we get."

That comment about "drama at Yas Marina" evokes memories of a historic race where title destiny was turned upside down by strategy errors.

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella, who experienced that agonising race in 2010, has stressed to his team the strength of their season has been and that "setbacks are inevitable".

As Verstappen summarised: "Many things can go well for you, can go against you, and we discover tomorrow."

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

Norris, in his favourable 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 popcorn ready."

He was also queried what he had learned about title showdowns. His reply 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 pressure will mount in the hours before the race.

Even Verstappen, who has looked relaxation personified so far, admitted to some anxiety before qualifying, but said that he used them to enhance his performance.

Commentator and ex-title winner Damon Hill, offering from experience, highlighted the critical nature of calmness.

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

"It's like when you lie down in bed at night, there's that gap before you go to sleep? You try sleeping when you might become world champion or not. You need sleep."

"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 set. The contenders are lined up. The Formula 1 world championship will be decided under the lights of Abu Dhabi.