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The finale to the Formula 1 drivers' title is perfectly poised 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 delivered a stunning display of the season – in his stellar career – to secure a scintillating pole position.

McLaren's Lando Norris, who enters the race as title leader 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 summit, starts third, with Mercedes' George Russell on the row two.

The Simple Maths for Norris

For Norris, the equation is clear – his objective is straightforward.

The 26-year-old will be champion for the first occasion if he finishes on the podium, regardless of anyone else's result.

Verstappen, 28, would clinch 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.

Australian Piastri, 24, requires some kind of misfortune to befall his competitors if he is to claim his maiden championship. He also approaches the race knowing that there is a chance he could be asked to move aside and assist Norris secure the title if his own chances have faded.

What Cards Will Verstappen Play?

Norris kept his answers 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 could render the points 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 asked whether he expected Verstappen to try to slow him into the pack. "I expect everything. So we'll find out."

Verstappen was asked the same question. His response was to point out that it would be harder to execute now, as changes to the circuit have made it less stop-start.

"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 Abu Dhabi magic that unfolds 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 boss Andrea Stella, who was involved in that agonising race in 2010, has stressed to his team how strong their season has been and that "bumps on the road are inevitable".

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

There is also the possibility of a collision at the first corner – a scenario Piastri and Verstappen were involved in there last year.

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

Piastri, when questioned about action 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 showdowns. 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 mount in the hours before the race.

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

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

"How to handle this is to just concentrate 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."

"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. You need sleep."

"It's intense. 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 elite group of title winners."

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