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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 sharp end of the starting lineup for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

Red Bull's Max Verstappen put in one of the performances of the campaign – and of his illustrious career – to take a scintillating pole position.

McLaren's Lando Norris, who heads into the race as title leader with a 12-point lead over Verstappen, is next to the Dutch driver on the front row.

The British driver's colleague Oscar Piastri, 16 points behind the summit, starts third, with Mercedes' George Russell on the second row.

The Simple Maths for Norris

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

The 26 year old will clinch the title for the first time if he finishes on the podium, irrespective of anyone else's result.

Verstappen, 28, could secure a fifth consecutive title if he takes victory with Norris finishing fourth, or if he is second and Norris finishes outside seventh.

The Australian Piastri, 24, needs some form of drama to befall his competitors if he is to claim his first title. He also approaches the race knowing that there is a possibility he could be asked to yield position and help Norris win if his own hopes are over.

What Moves Will The Challenger Play?

Norris kept his answers after qualifying relatively short. He seems to be striving to keep himself settled and calm as he navigates the most intense weekend of his career.

This is logical. Although his route to the championship is relatively straightforward, the fact Verstappen's is not could render the championship leader's race an uncomfortable one.

With the championship at stake, and taking race victory not sufficient on its own for Verstappen, the race is probably not going 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 questioned if he expected Verstappen to try to back him into the pack. "I expect everything. So wait and see."

Verstappen was asked the same question. His response was to point out that such tactics are more difficult to execute now, as track modifications have made it more flowing.

"It was a different layout," Verstappen said. "I feel like now you get towed around a lot more. So it's not as easy to do that."

He added: "I want to win tomorrow, but I also know that that's not enough. So I just hope for some Yas Marina drama that happens behind me. So let's see what we get."

That remark about "Abu Dhabi magic" evokes memories of a past race where title destiny was completely reversed by pitwall miscalculations.

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella, who experienced that painful race in 2010, has emphasised to his team how strong their year has been and that "setbacks are unavoidable".

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

There is also the potential of contact at the opening turn – a situation Piastri and Verstappen experienced there last year.

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

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

He was also asked what he had discovered about title deciders. His reply was succinct: "Funny things can happen. That's what I've learnt."

Norris 'Has a Weight on His Shoulders'

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

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

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

"The way through 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... Once 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 can be world champion or not. You need sleep."

"It's intense. 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 title winners."

The stage is prepared. The contenders are lined up. The Formula 1 world championship will be settled under the lights of Abu Dhabi.