The 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix brought the Formula 1 season to a spectacular close at the Yas Marina Circuit. After an incredible race, McLaren clinched their first Constructors’ Championship title since 1998, thanks to a stellar season from Piastri and Norris.
Lando Norris won the Abu Dhabi GP, and despite Ferrari’s relentless efforts and an incredible comeback drive from Leclerc, they had to settle for the title of Vice World Constructors’ Champion.
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McLaren: Champions for the first time since 1998
Lando Norris dominated this final stage of the season, securing a controlled victory from start to finish. Starting from pole position, he set the pace early on, pulling away from the pack following a collision right behind him. Indeed, Max Verstappen made contact with Oscar Piastri at the very first corner, shattering the Australian driver’s podium hopes. Norris was left to fight solo to defend McLaren’s title aspirations, but with Leclerc starting from the back of the grid, he didn’t seem like much of a threat… And yet! Ferrari put up a valiant fight: Carlos Sainz finished second, while Charles Leclerc, penalized during qualifying, delivered a stunning comeback from the back of the pack to secure third place. However, it wasn’t enough to close the championship gap. McLaren, with a 14-point lead in the final standings, capped off a remarkable season and a historic return to the top. This ninth title propels the British team to second place, tied with Williams, in the ranking of the most successful teams in Formula 1 history, still far behind Ferrari with its 16 titles.
McLAREN CLINCH THEIR FIRST CONSTRUCTORS' CHAMPIONSHIP OF THE 21ST CENTURY! 🏆
What an achievement, what a season! 🧡#F1 #AbuDhabiGP pic.twitter.com/e9Yyd6pcXo
— Formula 1 (@F1) December 8, 2024
A race full of emotions and “lasts”
This final round also marked emotional farewells for several F1 legends. Lewis Hamilton, in what was his last race with Mercedes, delivered a spirited performance, finishing fourth after a hard-fought battle with teammate George Russell in the closing laps. Kevin Magnussen and Valtteri Bottas, also racing their final laps in Formula 1, received heartfelt tributes from their teams and fans. Carlos Sainz’s last race with Ferrari brought tears to the tifosi as well. Among the rookies, Jack Doohan struggled to find his rhythm in his first F1 race, while his teammate Pierre Gasly secured seventh place, locking in sixth in the Constructors’ Championship for Alpine. Meanwhile, Williams and Sauber ended the race at the back of the pack, highlighting the challenges these teams will face heading into 2025.
2024: One of the best Formula 1 seasons in recent memory
The 2024 F1 season will be remembered as one of the most competitive in years. McLaren proved that with an effective strategy and talented, consistent drivers, it’s possible to challenge F1’s dominant giants. Yas Marina delivered an ending worthy of this season finale, with a variety of winners keeping fans on edge all year long. The 2025 season already promises to be another thrilling chapter, with teams ready to shake things up and rising stars determined to make a name for themselves. See you on February 16 for the Melbourne Grand Prix!
This article explores McLaren’s historic triumph in Abu Dhabi, the emotional highlights of a thrilling race, and the outlook for a promising 2025 season. The curtain falls on an unforgettable season, but the anticipation for what’s next is already building.
Images: © LAT Images Mercedes archives / FIA / McLaren media
