F1 Update: Will Verstappen use the Hamilton 2016 tactics?

Max Verstappen did exactly what he needed to do on Saturday in Abu Dhabi: secure pole-position and put maximum pressure on McLaren heading into the race. Red Bull’s set-up changes proved effective to get rid of the understeer in sector 3, and once again Verstappen showed his ability to perform when the pressure is at its highest.

Lando Norris also did what he needed to do by claiming a place on the front row, even though he looked a bit more nervous than normal during Q1. McLaren team boss Andrea Stella has already advised his driver to take absolutely no risks into Turn 1 on Sunday, all the more because the inside of the first corner at the Yas Marina Circuit can be treacherous.

Ronald Vording analyses it all in a new episode of the F1 Update, including the question of whether Verstappen could opt for the Lewis Hamilton tactics from 2016 — backing up the field — and what that might mean for McLaren.

The new episode also covers Ferrari’s disappointing qualifying session, with Lewis Hamilton being eliminated in Q1 for the third consecutive weekend, and Charles Leclerc admitting that he thought he was going to crash multiple times.

Topics:
00:00 Verstappen takes Pole in Abu Dhabi
01:23 Norris on the front row
02:33 Stella advises caution
03:54 Will Verstappen use the Hamilton 2016 tactics?
05:34 Tire performance expectations for the race
06:56 Russell tries to assist Verstappen
07:39 Alonso wants to stay out of the title fight
08:08 Hamilton crashes in FP3, out in Q1
08:55 Leclerc not surprised by Hamilton's troubles
10:04 Leclerc not sure what to expect for 2026