In just a few days, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will take place, marking the final destination of the 2024 Formula 1 season. The battle for the Constructors’ Championship is heating up between McLaren, which enters with a 21-point lead, and Scuderia Ferrari.
This fight isn’t just about numbers; it reflects a year filled with on-track battles, relentless research and development, strategic wins, and moments of bad luck. But which of the four drivers from these two teams truly has what it takes to become a World Champion? Mika Hakkinen, former McLaren World Champion, shares his thoughts.
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Staying consistent to score points in Formula 1
With five wins each this season, McLaren and Ferrari have delivered an exciting duel, occasionally challenging Red Bull and Mercedes. However, McLaren pulled ahead thanks to the consistency of its two drivers. The British team achieved no less than ten second-place finishes, a remarkable feat that kept constant pressure on their rivals. Meanwhile, Ferrari showed flashes of brilliance but lost critical points due to strategic errors and mechanical issues, more frequent than McLaren’s. According to Mika Hakkinen, former Formula 1 World Champion with McLaren, consistency is what sets a champion apart from a runner-up. His theory has proven true more than once, including this season, with Max Verstappen’s title secured by a much steadier start compared to his rival, Lando Norris.
One. Final. Race. 👊
Abu Dhabi is calling! 📞 #AbuDhabiGP 🇦🇪 pic.twitter.com/uyjnqOfEGb
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) December 4, 2024
Norris and Piastri: McLaren’s Secret Weapon
The duo of Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri has undoubtedly been McLaren’s strongest asset in 2024. Young, aggressive, and incredibly talented, the two drivers occasionally showed a lack of experience but more often demonstrated their ability to compete with the best. Norris, with his mid-season consistency and overtaking mastery, secured valuable points throughout the year. Meanwhile, Piastri, in just his second F1 season, showcased impressive speed, even claiming crucial wins for his team. According to Hakkinen, these two drivers are “potential world champions,” given their fighting spirit, teamwork, and stellar performances this year.
A well-oiled machine at McLaren
Beyond the drivers, McLaren’s success lies in a seamless synergy between the factory and the race team. Under the leadership of Andrea Stella and Zak Brown, the team developed the best F1 car on the grid this year, even surpassing the ultra-dominant Red Bull of 2023. Additionally, the engineers provided upgrades that continually boosted the drivers’ confidence throughout the season. Complementing this was a near-flawless race strategy, often allowing the team to maximize results even on tough weekends. This weekend, McLaren won’t need a miracle: with a 21-point lead, solid results from both drivers should be enough to clinch the title over Ferrari. But this is Formula 1, where anything can happen—so for now, the show goes on!
Two drivers make F1 history as the first pair of brothers to race for the same team
This article explores McLaren’s impressive consistency in 2024, the exceptional talent of Norris and Piastri, and the team’s operational excellence. As the Abu Dhabi GP approaches, the battle with Ferrari showcases the factors that have made McLaren a dominant force this season.
Image: McLaren F1 Team media
