P1 with Matt and Tommy Reaction to Abu Dhabi GP qualifying
Dec 6, 2025
The hosts break down the shocking Q1 results, with Hamilton, Albon, and Hülkenberg facing early exits. They discuss Hamilton's season and Ferrari's concerns about his future. The tight midfield battles are highlighted, especially Ollie Behrman's near-miss. Verstappen clinches pole, sparking debates about Red Bull's team strategies and Yuki Tsunoda's role. They weigh Lando and Oscar's race strategies while pondering the various scenarios for the championship. Excitement builds for the title-deciding race!
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Qualifying Era Has Ended
- Qualifying in Abu Dhabi was seismic because DRS on hot laps is gone, changing one-lap strategy forever.
- Matt and Tom frame this as a major shift that redefines how teams approach final qualifying runs.
Hamilton's Painful Weekend
- Lewis Hamilton crashed in FP3 and then failed to reach Q2, leaving him distraught in interviews.
- Matt suggests this tops a disastrous 2025 and could push Hamilton toward retirement if 2026 starts poorly.
One Lap Can Wreck A Season
- Sauber needed a double points finish to climb the standings but Hulkenberg's early exit wrecked that chance.
- The grid shifts show how a single Q1 result can erase a team's realistic season-ending ambitions.