Max Verstappen set the fastest time in qualifying for the Grand Prix of the United Arab Emirates, which decides the title of world champion. In second place on the starting grid is Lewis Hamilton, who will try to win the eighth world title.
Verstappen took pole position with a time of 1: 22.109 with soft tires while Hamilton managed 1: 22.480 minutes. This season, Verstappen had more pole positions than Hamilton: 10 compared to only 5.
Thus, Verstappen has a moral advantage, because also last year he started from the first position in Abu Dhabi. The Dutch driver can also benefit from the help of his teammate Sergio Perez, who will occupy the 4th place of the starting grid, while Valterri Botas, Hamilton’s teammate, only starts from the sixth position.
For the 31st time the drivers title is decided in the last race but it is the first time in history when the two drivers fighting for the world title are tied.
What happens if both pilots give up?
At equal points the one with the most victories won the title. In this case, Max Verstappen becomes world champion because he has won nine Grand Prix this year compared to eight of Hamilton’s.
