Lando Norris has made history, securing McLaren’s first Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship in 26 years with a dominant victory at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
His win, the fourth of the 2024 season, capped off a dramatic final race and delivered a long-awaited title for the legendary team.
Despite fierce competition from Ferrari, who placed second and third with Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc, Norris’ flawless drive kept McLaren in control, winning the championship by a narrow 14-point margin.
A Nail-Biting Finish: Ferrari’s Late Charge
The race was far from easy for McLaren, especially after Norris’ teammate, Oscar Piastri, was taken out of contention early.
Piastri, who had qualified second, was involved in a first-lap collision with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, which resulted in a spin and a 10-second penalty for the reigning world champion.
This incident pushed Piastri to the back of the field, leaving McLaren’s hopes for the title squarely in Norris’ hands.
Adding to the tension, Ferrari’s Leclerc pulled off an extraordinary performance, charging from 19th to third place, including a breathtaking move on five cars in a single swoop approaching the chicane at Turns 6 and 7.
Leclerc’s relentless push kept McLaren on edge; had anything gone wrong with Norris’ car, Ferrari would have snatched the championship.
Norris’ Steady Leadership Amid the Chaos
With the title on the line, Norris held his nerve, leading from start to finish. He crossed the line six seconds ahead of Sainz, sealing McLaren’s first Constructors’ Championship since 1998.
In the post-race celebrations, Norris expressed his joy over the team radio, exclaiming, “Next year’s going to be my year, too.”
His win also secured second place in the drivers’ standings, finishing 18 points clear of Leclerc and 63 points behind Verstappen.
A Triumph Years in the Making: McLaren’s Road to Glory
McLaren’s victory marks the end of a 26-year title drought, a period defined by turmoil and uncertainty.
The team had seen better days, with significant financial challenges, management instability, and performance struggles. However, a series of key decisions and investments have led McLaren back to the top of Formula 1.
Much of McLaren’s resurgence can be attributed to the leadership of Zak Brown, who joined the team in 2016, and Andrea Stella, who became team principal in 2022.
Stella’s strategic decisions transformed the team from a backmarker to the second-fastest in Formula 1, and with Norris leading the charge, McLaren is now poised for even greater success in 2025.
Hamilton’s Farewell: A Strong Final Race for Mercedes
While McLaren basked in the glory of their long-awaited triumph, there was another poignant moment in Abu Dhabi: Lewis Hamilton’s final race for Mercedes.
The seven-time world champion, who had started from 16th after a disappointing qualifying session, made an incredible recovery, finishing in fourth place.
Hamilton’s trademark drive saw him pass teammate George Russell in the final laps, and he celebrated with doughnuts on the pit straight after crossing the line.
Reflecting on his journey with Mercedes, Hamilton remarked, “What started as a leap of faith turned into a journey into the history books.”
He was warmly congratulated by the team and took a moment to appreciate the end of an era for one of the most successful driver-team partnerships in Formula 1 history.
The Future of McLaren: Looking Ahead to 2025
As McLaren’s champagne-soaked celebrations continued, the team’s focus now shifts to the future.
With their first Constructors’ Championship in over two decades secured, McLaren heads into the 2025 season with a renewed sense of confidence and ambition.
With Norris at the helm, and the team’s impressive transformation and under Stella’s leadership, McLaren is well-positioned to challenge Red Bull for dominance in the years to come.
