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In a race full of drama and historical events, Lando Norris performed an astonishing performance at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, leading from start to finish to win McLaren's first Constructors' Championship. In 26 years. The Englishman's victory for the fourth time this season closed a successful season for the team and ended Ferrari's hopes of a last-minute disappointment.
“Everyone deserves this. Thank you very much. It was a special year,” Norris said on the team radio as he crossed the line. “Next year is also my year.”
Historic victory for McLaren
25 points from Norris' victory combined with teammate Oscar Piastri's single from finishing 10th gave McLaren a 14-point lead over Ferrari in the final. It is the first time since 1998 that McLaren has won the Constructors title, reinforcing their revival as a force in Formula One.
However, this race did not come without competition. Piastri's hopes of a solid finish were dashed after a first-half collision with Red Bull's Max Verstappen, dropping him to the back of the pack.
Ferrari brings battle to the podium
Ferrari drivers Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc finished second and third, respectively, but their efforts failed to beat McLaren. Leclerc made an incredible charge through the field, starting on the 19th and ending on the podium, a work that demonstrates his skills and determination.
“Unfortunately, we are starting too far to do better than what we did,” Leclerc said. “It hurts when the season is coming to an end.”
Hamilton Mercedes Farewell
Lewis Hamilton’s latest race for Mercedes is another highlight. Starting on the 16th, the seven-time world champion advanced to fourth place, beating teammate George Russell on the final lap. Mercedes director Toto Wolff praised the performance, saying “Lewis is the driving force behind the world championship.”
Hamilton, who joins Ferrari next season, ended his Mercedes takeover with a spin-off celebration celebrating the crowd in Abu Dhabi.
Verstappen's Struggle
Max Verstappen, who has already won four seasons as a driver, has endured a disappointing race. The collision with Piastri resulted in him receiving a 10-second penalty, and his frustration was expressed on the team radio, “Can we ask for 20 seconds, you idiot,” he said. The Dutchman finished sixth, far from the dominant form he showed throughout the season.
Midfield Battles and McLaren's Triumph
Alpine's Pierre Gasly took seventh place, helping his team to sixth place in the Constructors rankings, while Haas' Nico Hulkenberg and Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso made the top 10.
For McLaren, the win marked a new chapter. “That was the worst two hours of my life so far,” CEO Zak Brown reflected on the tense race. That race, he (Norris) took us. He drove without error.
Looking forward
As the team begins to prepare for the 2025 season, McLaren's revival and Norris' announcement of intent suggests they will be a team to watch. Ferrari, meanwhile, welcomes the power match of Hamilton and Leclerc, setting the stage for another exciting chapter in Formula One.
