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The finale to the Formula 1 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.

The Red Bull of Max Verstappen delivered one of the performances of the campaign – in his stellar career – to take a scintillating pole position.

The McLaren driver Lando Norris, who enters the race as championship favourite with a 12-point advantage over Verstappen, is next to the Dutch driver on the front row.

The British driver's team-mate Oscar Piastri, sixteen points behind the lead, starts third, alongside the Mercedes of George Russell on the second row.

The Straightforward Equation for Norris

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

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

Verstappen, 28, could secure a fifth straight title if he takes victory with Norris in fourth, or if he is runner-up and Norris finishes outside seventh.

The Australian Piastri, 24, needs some kind of misfortune to befall his rivals if he is to claim his first title. He also approaches the race aware 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 kept his answers after qualifying relatively short. He appears working hard to keep himself settled and calm as he navigates the most intense weekend of his career.

That's understandable. Even though his route to the championship is relatively straightforward, the fact Verstappen's is not could render the points leader's race an uncomfortable one.

With the title on the line, and winning the grand prix not good enough on its own for Verstappen, the race is probably not going to be simple. What Verstappen and Red Bull might try to disrupt Norris's race remains unknown.

"No idea," Norris said, when questioned if he anticipated 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 such tactics are more difficult to execute now, since changes to the circuit have made it more flowing.

"The track was configured differently," Verstappen stated. "In my opinion now you get towed around a lot more. So it's not as easy to do that."

He continued: "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 remark about "Abu Dhabi magic" evokes memories of a historic race where title destiny was turned upside down by strategy errors.

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella, who was involved in that painful race in 2010, has emphasised to his team how strong their season has been and that "setbacks are inevitable".

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

There is also the possibility of contact at the opening turn – 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 asked about action at Turn One, remarked: "Turn One I'm not sure," he said, "{but I'll have some handy."

He was also queried what he had discovered about title showdowns. His answer was succinct: "Funny things can happen. That's what I've learned."

Norris 'Carries the Burden on His Shoulders'

For all three, and their teams, the tension will build in the hours before the race.

Even Verstappen, who has appeared utterly relaxed so far, confessed to some anxiety before qualifying, but said that he fed off them to help him perform.

Commentator and former champion Damon Hill, offering from experience, emphasised the critical nature of calmness.

"How to handle this is to just focus on what you do for a living," Hill said. "You speak to the engineers and try to make the car go faster... When you have things on your mind, you can't concentrate."

"It's like 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 crossed that threshold and joined that exclusive club of title winners."

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