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The climax to the Formula 1 world championship is perfectly poised after the triple championship challengers secured positions at the sharp end of the grid for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

The Red Bull of Max Verstappen put in a stunning display of the campaign – in his stellar career – to take a scintillating pole position.

McLaren's Lando Norris, who heads into the race as title leader 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 behind the summit, will begin from third, alongside Mercedes' George Russell on the second row.

The Straightforward Equation for The Leader

For Norris, the maths are simple – his objective is straightforward.

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, would clinch a fifth straight title if he takes victory with Norris finishing fourth, or if he is second and Norris is lower than seventh.

Australian Piastri, 24, requires some form of drama to happen to 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 move aside and assist Norris secure the title if his own hopes are over.

What Cards Will The Challenger Play?

Norris was brief after qualifying relatively short. He seems to be working hard to keep himself composed and focused as he navigates the most intense weekend of his career.

This is logical. Even though his path to the title is relatively straightforward, the fact Verstappen's is not threatens to make the points 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. The tactics Verstappen may employ to get in Norris' way remains unknown.

"I don't know," Norris said, when questioned if he expected Verstappen to try to back him into the pack. "Anything is possible. So wait and see."

Verstappen faced the identical query. His answer was to point out that it would be harder 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: "My goal is victory on Sunday, but I also know that victory alone is insufficient. So I just hope for some Abu Dhabi magic that unfolds behind me. We shall see what we get."

That remark about "drama at Yas Marina" evokes memories of a historic race where championship fate was completely reversed by strategy errors.

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

As Verstappen summarised: "A lot can work in your favour, can work against you, and we find out tomorrow."

There is also the possibility of contact at the first corner – 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 reply was succinct: "Unexpected events can happen. That's what I've learnt."

Norris 'Carries the Burden on His Shoulders'

For each contender, and their teams, the tension will mount 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 fed off them to enhance his performance.

Commentator and ex-title winner Damon Hill, speaking 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... Once you have things on your mind, 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."

"The pressure is immense. It's what you've always wanted. Lando has a weight on his shoulders... on Sunday he'll know whether he has made it and joined that exclusive club of world champions."

The stage is prepared. The contenders are in position. The Formula 1 world championship will be decided under the lights of Abu Dhabi.