Debate | Qualfying in Abu Dhabi will determine world title

Lewis Hamilton and Max Verstappen have completed the first day of racing in Abu Dhabi. While the Dutchman set the fastest time in the first free practice session, Hamilton returned it a few hours later. It promises to be a thrilling qualifying session, with the decision coming on Saturday.

Both drivers have been at the cutting edge of their sport all season and will do anything to win the world title. Where Verstappen was the favourite to receive the main prize for a long time, Hamilton now seems to be the biggest contender to win the world championship. However, the margins with his competitor are very small.

Strategy essential for Red Bull and Mercedes

For Verstappen to win, it's important he gets ahead and gets track position. It would give the Dutchman the chance to start the race at the front and deal the first blow to Hamilton. With the right strategy, Red Bull Racing should then be able to win the race, as the team showed in Abu Dhabi last season.

If Hamilton gets ahead in qualifying and forces Verstappen to chase after him, then failing a fast start from second his chances of winning the race will be diminished. The world championship leader would have to do everything possible to get past his rival on the first lap.