Abu Dhabi GP: Lando Norris wins F1 finale as McLaren triumph
McLaren triumphs in Abu Dhabi as Norris leads team to constructors' championship glory
Lando Norris concluded the 2024 Formula 1 season with a stellar victory at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, securing McLaren's long-awaited constructors’ championship, their first since 1998. The British driver led from pole, showcasing poise and skill that left competitors in his wake, ensuring the team ended the season on the highest of highs.
The race commenced with immediate drama as a tussle for position saw McLaren's Oscar Piastri and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen collide, setting the tone for a race rife with battles and strategic plays. Piastri faced setbacks with a subsequent penalty for an incident involving Williams’ Franco Colapinto, impacting his stride through the pack.
McLaren's victory was cemented by Norris, who, despite challenges elsewhere on the Yas Marina Circuit, maintained control to finish five seconds ahead of Carlos Sainz, signalling the constructors' championship win for the "papaya squad". Behind Norris, the race for podium positions was heated, with Ferrari's Charles Leclerc mounting an impressive recovery from P19 to finish third, showcasing the resilience and determination that Ferrari hoped would challenge McLaren's bid for the title.
The race also featured emotional undertones, particularly for Mercedes, as George Russell and Lewis Hamilton dueled, with Hamilton clinching fourth place in a poignant farewell performance for the team. Meanwhile, Verstappen managed a recovery of his own to finish sixth, following his early race penalty.
In the constructors' standings, Alpine secured the sixth position through Pierre Gasly, marking a strong finish for the team, while Haas and Aston Martin rounded out notable performances with Nico Hulkenberg securing eighth and Fernando Alonso ninth.
A notable performance came from McLaren's Piastri, who despite early setbacks, salvaged a tenth-place finish, contributing to McLaren's championship success, albeit with personal disappointment in the race outcome.
The 2024 season finale also spelled the end for several drivers with their respective teams, including Valtteri Bottas with Kick Sauber and Kevin Magnussen with Haas, both experiencing bittersweet conclusions. Additionally, the race saw retirements that punctuated the 2024 narratives, including Sergio Perez’s uncertain future following a Lap 1 exit due to contact.
As the sun set on the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, McLaren and Norris not only celebrated a race victory but also heralded a historic moment for the team, marking a resurgence and a championship-winning campaign that repositions McLaren at the pinnacle of Formula 1 constructors.
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