Norris Secures Constructors' Title for McLaren in Abu Dhabi Thriller

Lando Norris remained unfazed by pressure at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, clinching victory in the season finale and delivering the Constructors' Championship to McLaren. The race saw intense battles, dramatic collisions, and a remarkable comeback by Charles Leclerc, setting the stage for an equally thrilling 2025 season.

Why it matters:

McLaren's Constructors' Championship victory in 2024 marks a significant return to form for the Woking-based team, signaling their re-emergence as a top contender in Formula 1. This win underscores the effectiveness of their car development and driver performance, setting a high bar for the competition in the upcoming season and potentially reshaping the Constructors' landscape for years to come.

The details:

• Dramatic Start: Lando Norris immediately took the lead from his teammate, but drama unfolded in Turn 1 as Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri collided, forcing both to play catch-up from early in the race.
• Leclerc's Charge: Starting from the back due to penalties, Charles Leclerc executed a phenomenal opening lap, rocketing into the top ten thanks to a lightning-quick launch and multiple overtakes. He continued to scythe through the field, eventually securing a podium position behind Norris and Sainz.
• Constructors' Battle: Ferrari needed Carlos Sainz to overtake Norris to keep their Constructors' title hopes alive. However, Norris maintained his lead, securing the championship for McLaren, while Ferrari settled for a double podium finish.
• Hamilton's Farewell: In his final race for Mercedes, Lewis Hamilton delivered a standout performance, starting from the back and fighting his way up to fourth, even overtaking his teammate on the final lap.
• 2025 Outlook: The 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is anticipated to be equally captivating, with the Drivers' Championship expected to be decided in a three-way battle, a scenario not seen since 2010.

The big picture:

The Yas Marina Circuit has consistently hosted the season finale for the past fifteen years, creating some of F1's most memorable moments. From Max Verstappen's dramatic 2021 victory over Lewis Hamilton to McLaren's last-minute snatch of the Constructors' Championship in 2024, Abu Dhabi has solidified its reputation as the ultimate decider for F1's most prestigious titles. This pattern of high-stakes finales at Yas Marina contributes to F1's growing global appeal and fan engagement, consistently delivering nail-biting conclusions to the championship battles.

What's next:

The 2025 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix is poised to deliver another thrilling conclusion to the Formula 1 season. With the Drivers' Championship likely to be a three-way fight, the intensity and stakes will be incredibly high. Fans can expect a fierce battle on track as teams and drivers push to secure the ultimate glory, further cementing Yas Marina's legacy as the stage for F1's most unforgettable finales.