Lando Norris delivered a spectacular victory at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, sealing McLaren’s long-awaited constructors’ championship, their first in 25 years. Norris’ triumph marked the culmination of an exceptional season for McLaren, ending Ferrari’s spirited challenge in a tense season finale at Yas Marina.
Starting from pole, Norris faced immense pressure after his teammate, Oscar Piastri, was spun out in a dramatic first-lap collision with Max Verstappen. With Piastri relegated to the back of the pack, Norris carried the team’s hopes single-handedly. He held off the Scuderia’s determined effort, with Carlos Sainz finishing second and Charles Leclerc taking third.
Lewis Hamilton, in his final race for Mercedes, showcased his trademark resilience, charging from 16th on the grid to finish fourth in an impressive farewell drive for the Silver Arrows.
A Historic Win for McLaren
McLaren entered the season finale with a 21-point advantage over Ferrari and the front row locked out, but the victory was far from guaranteed. Verstappen’s aggressive move at Turn 1 jeopardized Piastri’s race, forcing Norris to navigate a high-pressure challenge. Despite Ferrari’s late-season resurgence, McLaren’s superior upgrades and Norris’ flawless performance ensured their place at the top.
This constructors’ championship, McLaren’s ninth, ties them with Williams in second place for all-time team titles. Only Ferrari, with 16 championships, has more. McLaren’s resurgence also broke the Red Bull-Mercedes dominance that has defined the sport since 2009.
The team’s success this season has been a testament to their ability to adapt and innovate. After starting the season with a substantial 115-point deficit, their mid-season upgrades, introduced at the Miami Grand Prix, transformed their performance. Norris and Piastri contributed consistently, combining for six wins and 14 podiums.
Zak Brown, McLaren’s CEO, hailed the achievement: “This title represents years of dedication, hard work, and belief. Lando and Oscar have been phenomenal, and this is a true team victory.”
Hamilton’s Emotional Farewell to Mercedes
Lewis Hamilton’s final race for Mercedes marked the end of a golden era. Over 12 years, Hamilton claimed six of his seven world titles with the team, amassing 84 wins, 153 podiums, and 78 pole positions. Despite a challenging end to their partnership, Hamilton’s legacy at Mercedes remains unshaken.
Hamilton will join Ferrari next season, embarking on a new chapter in his illustrious career. His farewell drive in Abu Dhabi, though not a victory lap, was a powerful reminder of his unrelenting competitive spirit.
Looking Ahead
McLaren’s championship win sets the stage for an even more competitive 2025 season. With Norris and Piastri in peak form and Hamilton joining Ferrari, the battle for supremacy promises to be thrilling. As the curtain closes on this historic season, McLaren’s long-awaited return to the pinnacle of Formula 1 underscores the unpredictable, ever-evolving nature of the sport.
