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!

He was about to become the F2 world champion, but a disaster left him finishing his race two laps down

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

At the final round of the FIA Formula 2 season in Abu Dhabi, Gabriel Bortoleto made history by becoming champion in his rookie season, just a year after achieving the same feat in FIA F3.

His closest rival, Isack Hadjar, saw his hopes vanish within seconds after a disastrous stall at the start, ruining his chances of closing the 4.5-point gap to Bortoleto.

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Hadjar’s chaotic and decisive race start

From the very beginning, the tension was palpable. Isack Hadjar, in contention for the title, stalled on the grid, giving Gabriel Bortoleto an unexpected opportunity to cruise through the race with ease. Starting in second place, Bortoleto quickly took the lead as pole-sitter Victor Martins struggled to find his pace. This critical mistake, which Hadjar himself described as “the worst moment of [his] life,” sealed his fate. His F2 car was pushed into the pits on the first lap; although he managed to restart, he was already two laps down. Despite this setback, the French driver never gave up, hoping that a safety car could revive his chances. His determination demonstrated that, without this error, he might have claimed the title with a significantly stronger pace than his rival.

🏆 GABRIEL BORTOLETO 🏆

🏆 2024 FORMULA 2 CHAMPION 🏆#F2 #AbuDhabiGP pic.twitter.com/tN2AmZiTxn

— Formula 2 (@Formula2) December 8, 2024

A well-executed strategy

The race also showcased diverse strategies. Joshua Durksen, who secured his maiden F2 victory, capitalized perfectly on an undercut with an early pit stop. Bortoleto, on the other hand, faced tense moments during his tire change. Surprised by a lack of grip after switching to medium tires, he briefly locked up his brakes twice under heavy braking. He lost positions before stabilizing and reclaiming second place by overtaking Victor Martins in the final laps. This result was enough to secure the 2024 FIA F2 championship title.

Video: A driver cheats death by pulling off the impossible in Formula 1

A performance that cements Bortoleto’s legacy

With this championship victory, Gabriel Bortoleto joins an elite group of drivers like Charles Leclerc, George Russell, and Oscar Piastri, who also won the F3 and F2 titles back-to-back. Interestingly, Bortoleto is supported by McLaren in Formula 2—the very team on the verge of winning the Formula 1 World Championship. His future seems bright, especially as he is expected to join Sauber in Formula 1 next year. This triumph is the culmination of a season marked by consistency and exemplary pressure management—qualities that promise to make him a rising star in motorsport. Notably, after just three races at the start of the season, he had only scored around ten points.

This article explores Gabriel Bortoleto’s meteoric rise, the stakes of a decisive final race, and the crucial role of strategy in Formula 2. It also covers the unfortunate incident at the start of the race for Isack Hadjar, and how stalling his F2 car destroyed his chances of winning the 2024 Formula 2 championship. A suspense-filled championship finale that sets the stage for a bright future for this young Brazilian talent.

Image: Dutch Photo Agency – Red Bull Content pool

During the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix qualifying session, Max Verstappen narrowly avoided disaster in the final corner of the Yas Marina circuit. Thanks to an impressive maneuver to steer clear of the wall after a major loss of control, the Red Bull driver still managed to complete his lap in one piece.

This performance, far from ideal, reflects Red Bull’s struggles to tame their car on this circuit. Meanwhile, in the Constructors’ Championship battle, McLaren locked out the front row of the starting grid.

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Verstappen’s F1 car hard to handle

Max Verstappen came dangerously close to slamming his F1 car into the wall at the final corner of his first Q3 lap, providing a heart-stopping moment during Abu Dhabi qualifying. A dramatic 45-degree slide, caused by an unstable Red Bull, tested the Dutch driver’s reflexes as he saved the car. It’s nothing short of a miracle—or rather a feat—because when a driver loses control of their F1 car here, they inevitably end up in the wall. And at this speed, a head-on crash can have devastating consequences. Despite the incident, Verstappen temporarily claimed provisional pole before dropping to fifth as the session progressed. The Dutchman admitted that the entire weekend had been tough. “The car lacked consistency in several corners,” he explained. Adjustments to the front wing before his second run only made things worse, preventing him from fully exploiting the RB20’s potential. While Verstappen believes he could have fought for a front-row start, he acknowledged McLaren was simply untouchable.

How did Max save that and still go quickest?! 🤯#F1 #AbuDhabiGP pic.twitter.com/PoUHkT9UWs

— Formula 1 (@F1) December 7, 2024

McLaren continues to impress

Abu Dhabi qualifying confirmed one thing: McLaren is on fire. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri secured the top two spots, sealing a front-row lockout. Their one-lap consistency and incredible race pace have maximized their chances of clinching the Constructors’ Championship the following day. For context, McLaren leads Ferrari by 21 points heading into the race. As for Verstappen, who ended up behind Carlos Sainz and Nico Hülkenberg (though the latter received a three-place grid penalty post-session), competing with McLaren this Sunday seems unlikely. “They’re fast—way faster than us this weekend,” Verstappen admitted, adding that his focus would be on battling Ferrari for a podium finish. This is a stark contrast to the Qatar Grand Prix, where Red Bull managed to compensate for their weaknesses.

The double curse hitting this Formula 1 driver is set to ruin his race at the worst moment of the season

A promising 2025 Formula 1 season

This final weekend of the season highlights Red Bull’s challenges throughout the year. Verstappen emphasized that the RB20’s recurring balance issues made his job harder and limited its performance in critical corners. “If we fix this, the car will be much more competitive next year,” he said. With McLaren on the rise and Ferrari still in the mix, Red Bull must find solutions to reclaim their status as the dominant team. This season, marked by many highs but also plenty of lows—and at least three teams vying for wins at every race—hints at a thrilling 2025 season for Formula 1.

This article explores Verstappen’s near-miss during Abu Dhabi qualifying, McLaren’s impressive dominance, and the adjustments Red Bull needs to make for next season. A high-stakes finale to cap off a memorable 2024 season.

Image: Getty Images – Red Bull Content pool

Charles Leclerc experienced a day to remember (and not just for the right reasons) during the practice sessions at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. After a free practice session where he drove alongside his brother, Arthur Leclerc, a penalty came crashing down on his hopes of winning the race.

But that wasn’t the only problem he faced. The Monegasque driver also suffered from food poisoning, which almost prevented him from racing this weekend.

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Two brothers as teammates in Formula 1

For the first time in Formula 1 history, two brothers shared the track during the same session for the same team. Charles Leclerc had the honor of driving alongside his younger brother Arthur, who participated as a rookie driver during this free practice session at the Abu Dhabi GP. Arthur, currently racing in the European Le Mans Series (ELMS) and Italian GT, took the wheel of Carlos Sainz’s car. Their mother, present in the Ferrari garage, witnessed this emotional, once-in-a-lifetime moment. However, bad news soon darkened the day for Charles Leclerc. A battery failure, combined with food poisoning, derailed his start to the weekend. Thankfully, repairs allowed him to participate in the session, which he finished with the fastest lap time. Arthur, meanwhile, relished his first outing in a modern F1 car, though he struggled with soft tire management and the intense physical demands.

Charles Leclerc’s double curse in Abu Dhabi

Unfortunately, the day also highlighted Ferrari’s ongoing technical challenges. The battery issue on Charles’ car resulted in a 10-place grid penalty, as per the regulations on component usage. This is a major setback for the Scuderia’s hopes of overtaking McLaren in the Constructors’ Championship battle. With a 21-point deficit to their rivals, Ferrari will need to deliver an exceptional performance on Sunday to achieve the impossible. Heavy pressure now rests on Carlos Sainz, the only Ferrari driver with a shot at pole position tomorrow. Despite his fatigue from food poisoning, Charles remained highly motivated. “This moment with my brother was a huge morale boost. It was a special day, and it’s pushing me to give it my all this weekend, despite the obstacles,” he shared. Ferrari must now rely on flawless strategy and hope for a race spiced up by incidents to turn the tide.

Ferrari cursed in Abu Dhabi as a simple battery change shatters their hope of winning the Formula 1 World Championship

A tense weekend for the Leclerc family

For Arthur Leclerc, this day marked a major milestone in his career. He eagerly shared his experience of driving an F1 car for the first time: “The power and grip are incredible, but it takes serious physical fitness, especially for your neck!” Watching his older brother pass him on the track was a moment filled with sibling camaraderie, even as both drivers felt the weight of family and sporting pressure. For Charles, this race is more than just a sporting challenge. With his family traveling from Monaco to support him, the Ferrari driver hopes not only to deliver a strong performance to end the season but also to make this unique weekend unforgettable.

This article explores the highlights and challenges faced by the Leclerc brothers during Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, showcasing their emotions, Ferrari’s stakes, and the importance of this special moment for their careers and family.

Images: Scuderia Ferrari media

The end of the 2024 season is fast approaching, and with it, Ferrari’s last hopes of winning the Constructors’ Championship against McLaren. But in a plot twist, just minutes after Free Practice 1, we learn that Charles Leclerc must change a component and will therefore face a penalty at the start of the race.

A penalty stemming from the regulations, which could complicate Leclerc’s task during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix this weekend. The penalty will be 10 grid positions, a significant handicap in closing the 21-point gap to their rival team.

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10-place grid penalty for Leclerc at the Abu Dhabi GP

Ferrari had a clear plan to try and take all the points on offer this weekend and surpass McLaren in the Constructors’ title race. But a technical issue threw a wrench in that strategy: an unexpected battery change for Leclerc. “We had been resuscitating the battery for a race or two, we knew it was going to happen,” admitted Fred Vasseur. Leclerc exceeded his battery quota for the season, and the sanction was immediate: a 10-place grid penalty. A tough blow, especially in such a decisive race as Abu Dhabi. This battery change occurred during Free Practice, and it acted like a dagger to Leclerc’s hopes of both catching McLaren and playing his own card for the championship. While it’s not a fatality, this penalty makes Ferrari’s mission even more complicated. Leclerc and Sainz now have to manage a delicate situation while hoping McLaren doesn’t perform as well as they fear.

BREAKING: Charles Leclerc has been handed a 10-place grid penalty for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after exceeding the battery allocation#F1 #AbuDhabiGP pic.twitter.com/a4Yr2sMFmA

— Formula 1 (@F1) December 6, 2024

Ferrari must deliver a perfect race

Even before this penalty, Charles Leclerc knew that everything would have to be perfect for Ferrari at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. The Monegasque driver explained that the team “couldn’t afford any mistakes” if they still wanted a chance at the Constructors’ title. McLaren, on the other hand, arrives with strong potential on this circuit, and Ferrari will have to dominate the race. For that, a one-two finish seems like the only hope of gaining the upper hand, hoping that some Mercedes cars come between them and the McLaren drivers. Leclerc, even with his unshakable confidence, remains realistic. He knows that this weekend will be decisive, but he holds onto hope. “It’s possible, but everything has to go perfectly,” he says. Especially since Ferrari has never won on the Yas Marina circuit, making the task even more difficult.

A crucial weekend for Scuderia

While Abu Dhabi is often seen as a circuit favorable to other teams, Ferrari is banking on an aggressive strategy and solid performance to make the difference. But this plan is complicated by the new penalty. If Leclerc takes pole position on Saturday, he will still start from 11th place. He will need to perform the feat of climbing back to the top of the grid unless a racing incident gives him that opportunity. For the team, every point counts. With only 21 points behind McLaren, Ferrari will have to give it their all. This includes not only perfect race management but also hoping that outside factors play in their favor. McLaren, very strong this season, has no intention of being caught off guard, and Ferrari will need to capitalize on every opportunity to turn the tide.

Top 3 major changes set to propel the 2025 Le Mans 24h into a bold new era

This article explores how Charles Leclerc’s penalty could jeopardize Ferrari’s chances of clinching the Constructors’ title at the Abu Dhabi GP. With a high-pressure race ahead, Ferrari will need to manage adversity, hoping for a perfect performance to catch McLaren and race toward victory.

Images: Scuderia Ferrari

The 2024 silly season in Formula 1 has been one of the craziest ever seen. Lewis Hamilton at Ferrari, Carlos Sainz at Williams, Esteban Ocon “fired” from Alpine F1 Team… But one of the biggest mysteries in F1 this year has been the drop in performance of Sergio Perez and, more importantly, how Red Bull has struggled to manage this, given their ease in changing drivers.

As the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix approaches, Isack Hadjar, a young driver from the Red Bull program, seems to have dropped a bombshell in an interview that could very well put an end to Perez’s career through the game of musical chairs.

Read more:

• With only 335 heavy crashes, the 2024 edition of this championship was the ‘least dangerous’ season in years
• Two drivers make F1 history as the first pair of brothers to race for the same team

A future in Formula 1 for Isack Hadjar?

Isack Hadjar, currently fighting for the F2 title, seems well-positioned to make his Formula 1 debut next year. The French driver, racing under Red Bull colors, is only half a point behind Gabriel Bortoleto in the standings, another promising young driver who will race for Sauber in F1 next year. Already on the shortlist to join one of Red Bull’s two F1 teams, if Hadjar wins the title, he will only strengthen his already strong candidacy. But for now, and officially, the two seats at Red Bull are reserved for Verstappen and Perez, and there is no room at Racing Bulls, with Tsunoda and Lawson. Despite his impressive performances, there are still some unknowns.

The game of musical chairs within Red Bull Racing

According to rumors at the time I’m writing this article, Sergio Perez’s exit is imminent. Enough is enough for Horner and Marko; the Mexican driver has been failing to convince for months, and it’s time to part ways. So, who will replace him? It seems that Liam Lawson, a very promising young talent, will take his seat, while Yuki Tsunoda will stay for another year at VCARB Racing Bulls. This would leave one seat alongside the Japanese driver, and it seems Red Bull’s management has already made its choice for the 2025 F1 season…

This ex-World Champion already knows who will win the next F1 seasons

The bombshell dropped by Hadjar in the interview

In a FIA press conference a few days before the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Isack Hadjar was asked about his potential future in Formula 1 after this successful F2 season, despite the temperamental Campos car. Feeling trapped, he hesitated for a long time before answering the question. “I mean, it’s obviously confirmed… And still to be confirmed, right? So obviously, I can’t say it. I literally can’t tell you what I’ll do next season because it’s not official yet.” With this response, did Isack Hadjar just confirm both his arrival in F1 and Perez’s departure? There’s a good chance the theory mentioned earlier will come true, but we’re in Formula 1, and anything can still happen.

This article explores the potential rise of Isack Hadjar in Formula 1, his close battle for the F2 title, and the uncertain future of Red Bull’s driver lineup.

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