Lando Norris has claimed another win at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, his fourth in Formula 1, and McLaren have sealed the Constructors’ title 26 years later. It wasn’t a double and they had to suffer more than expected, but a double podium – Carlos Sainz, second – wasn’t enough for Ferrari. Fernando Alonso closed the season in the points – ninth – and both Sergio Pérez and Franco Colapinto, with retirements.
The race was very ‘spicy’ from the start, as Max Verstappen collided with Oscar Piastri in the first corner and Charles Leclerc made up a huge number of positions. All the pressure was on Lando’s shoulders and any mistake or breakdown could be fatal for McLaren, but they managed to keep their composure on this occasion and brought the curtain down in style.
McLaren had not won a Constructors’ title since 1998 and, in fact, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri had only experienced one title from the English team in their entire lives – Lewis Hamilton’s in 2008. Well, between the two of them they made McLaren champions despite a double podium finish for Ferrari that was epic, with Carlos Sainz in second place and Charles Leclerc coming back to third.
An Abu Dhabi Grand Prix that was full of smiles. Carlos’ good performance was also joined by Lewis Hamilton, who came back from the back of the pack and finished fourth… passing George Russell on the last lap! On the other hand, Kevin Magnussen said goodbye to Formula 1 with less luck, but with the fastest lap on the last one – he put soft tyres on at the end.
The rest of the points positions were for Max Verstappen, Pierre Gasly, Nico Hülkenberg, Fernando Alonso and Oscar Piastri. The Asturian driver has once again made a good reading of the race and has been able to beat the Australian McLaren driver for ninth place. Aston Martin must ‘respond’ with a step forward for next year.
CREDITS:
Director: Alejandro Bernal
Text: Max Hackenbroich
