ISTANBUL

Max Verstappen will start ahead of title rival Lewis Hamilton at the final round of the 2021 F1 World Championship after winning pole position at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.

"AMAZING! Pole is simply the best way to start the final race. Great team effort. Thank you," Verstappen said on Twitter.

With 58 laps, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was held on Saturday at the 5.2-kilometer (3.2 miles) track.

Dutch driver of Red Bull finished came first in qualifying with a time of 1:22:109.

Hamilton of Mercedes trailed 0.371 seconds behind Verstappen, whereas Lando Norris of McLaren finished in third place, 0.822 seconds behind the leader.

Verstappen and Hamilton have been in fierce competition for the 2021 title as they have collected 369.5 points so far.

Max Verstappen will look for his first championship while Hamilton will aim for the record eighth title.

The 58-lap race will be held at 1300 GMT on Sunday.