The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2024 delivered a heart-pounding finale to the Formula 1 season, with McLaren seizing the Constructors’ Championship for the first time in 26 years. Lando Norris’s stellar performance under the Yas Marina lights capped off a remarkable season for the team and secured a well-deserved place in the history books.
McLaren Ends a 26-Year Drought
The spotlight was firmly on McLaren as they clinched their first Constructors’ Championship since 1998. The 26-year gap is now a record for the longest interval between titles for a constructor. Lando Norris, starting from pole, led the race with precision and poise, securing a victory that cemented McLaren’s comeback as one of the most thrilling stories of the season.
Lando Norris Dominates
Norris’s flawless drive marked his fourth win of the season and the second time in his career he has led a race from start to finish. What made this victory even sweeter was that it broke a decade-long stronghold of Mercedes and Red Bull dominance at Yas Marina. Not since Kimi Räikkönen’s Lotus triumph in 2012 has a driver outside the big two won at this circuit.
This result also confirmed Norris as the Drivers’ Championship runner-up—a testament to his consistency throughout the season.
Ferrari’s Fighting Spirit
Ferrari didn’t go down without a fight. Carlos Sainz finished second, marking his fourth top-two result of the season and his 25th podium for the team. Teammate Charles Leclerc delivered an electrifying performance, clawing his way from 19th to 3rd—a career-best improvement.
Despite Ferrari’s incredible double-podium finish, they fell short of McLaren by just 14 points in the Constructors’ Championship standings. Their winless streak at Yas Marina now stretches to 16 visits.
Hamilton Bows Out in Style
Lewis Hamilton, in his final race for Mercedes, demonstrated why he’s one of the greatest in the sport. Starting from 16th, Hamilton climbed to an impressive 4th place, leaving fans with a lasting memory of his fighting spirit before his move to Ferrari next season.
Key Takeaways
- McLaren closed the season with 666 points, narrowly edging out Ferrari (652 points).
- Max Verstappen, though finishing 6th, clinched his fourth consecutive Drivers’ Championship earlier in the season with 437 points.
- Pierre Gasly gave Alpine a final flourish by securing 10th in the Drivers’ standings, while Kevin Magnussen set the third-fastest lap for Haas.
The 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix encapsulated the essence of Formula 1—intense rivalries, historic achievements, and unforgettable performances. As the sun sets on another exhilarating season, the future promises even more drama and excitement on the horizon.
And with that, the 2024 season comes to an end.
