McLaren On Pole For First Constructors' Title Since 1998

Lando Norris wants to lead McLaren to their first constructors' title since 1998 in style after claiming pole on Saturday ahead of team-mate Oscar Piastri for Sunday's decisive season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Norris clocked a best lap in one minute and 22.595 seconds to outpace Piastri by two-tenths of a second under floodlights at the Yas Marina Circuit with Carlos Sainz, who leaves Ferrari after Sunday's race, taking third. Ferrari are bidding to overhaul McLaren's 21-point advantage in the constructors' championship but suffered a major setback when Charles Leclerc failed to make the top ten shootout and, with a 10-place penalty, will start at the back of the grid.

"It was a perfect, perfect day for us," said Norris.

"Probably a little bit tougher than we were hoping for. We've been quick all weekend and we're pleased with the one-two but it was a bit trickier than we'd have liked.

"My lap in the end was strong and it was just how we wanted to end today.

"We've got to beat Ferrari -- that's the aim, but we've got to do it in style. I want to win! We know what we have to do so we are keeping our heads down."

Piastri said: "We'll do whatever we can to win the championship - that is by far the biggest goal. I'm sure we'd both love to win, but I'm sure everyone would love to win the championship even more so I want to make sure that happens."

Sainz, who joins Williams next season when Mercedes' seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton takes his seat at Ferrari, said he will "give it everything to see if we can win the race and give ourselves the best chance".

Hamilton misfortune

In his last qualifying with Mercedes, Hamilton suffered misfortune by collecting an errant bollard that ruined his final lap and led to him being