Qualifying in the spotlight, the last dances and debutants - after a twist of fate, a result that could be considered predictable. This was the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and the final qualifying of the 2024 Formula 1 season.
After the first "real" Q1 timed laps, Carlos Sainz, Max Verstappen and Kevin Magnussen came out on top, but due to the rapidly changing conditions it was almost certain that this would not be the final order of the stage. However, the world quickly turned upside down, because Valtteri Bottas, sneaking between the two Ferrari Scuderias, took second place and advanced to Q2, while Lewis Hamilton, who was saying goodbye to Mercedes, was eliminated due to an extremely unlucky incident. Kevin Magnussen hit a bollard, unfortunately right under Hamilton's car, who thus, braking, defenselessly entered his fast lap... In addition to him, two Williams, Guanyu Zhou and Jack Doohan, who was taking part in F1 qualifying for the first time, had to prematurely say goodbye to further competition.
In Q2 Verstappen and the two McLarens showed their best side, and then there was drama. Sainz, Verstappen and Nico Hülkenberg were the first to advance to Q3, but the list of last to advance and drop out was much more interesting. While the also-farewell Valtteri Bottas led the Alfa Romeo into Q3 in excellent style, Ferrari didn't quite know whether to laugh or cry, because behind Sainz Leclerc retired after leaving the track, meaning he will start last in tomorrow's race. Alongside him, the two Visa RBs, Lance Stroll and Kevin Magnussen, were not allowed to continue.
Q3 began with an incredible rescue of Verstappen, humorous, but the Dutchman managed to stay in the lead even with this lap - in which he had a lot of time - behind him on the list after the first shots were Norris and Sainz, and not surprisingly Hülkenberg at the wheel of Haas. In the end, Verstappen did not manage to work a miracle, so Lando Norris won the time trial ahead of Oscar Piastri and Carlos Sainz, but the field is very even, which promises an exciting end to the season. We are waiting impatiently!
