Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: McLaren Crowned Formula 1 Constructors’ Champions After 26 Years
Lando Norris wins the season-final race earning McLaren their F1 Constructors' Championship since 1998; Lewis Hamilton finishes his final season with Mercedes effortlessly as he charges from the back of the grid to 4th – counting the overtake on team-mate George Russell on the last lap.
Words by Damian Nicholas
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In a thrilling conclusion to the 2024 Formula 1 season, McLaren has claimed the Constructors’ Championship for the first time in 26 years. Lando Norris showcased his driving ability by winning the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, overcoming fierce competition from Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz. This victory not only secured Norris' fourth win of the year but also marked McLaren's ninth Constructors’ Championship, their first since 1998.
The race, held under the dazzling Yas Marina floodlights, had its share of drama. Despite starting from pole position and leading comfortably, McLaren faced some tension when Oscar Piastri was turned around by Max Verstappen at the first corner. However, Norris maintained his composure throughout the 58 laps, crossing the finish line ahead of Sainz, who finished second. Ferrari managed to end their season on a high note with a double podium finish, as Charles Leclerc made an impressive charge from the back of the grid to clinch third.
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One of the standout performances of the day came from Lewis Hamilton, who was competing in his final race with Mercedes. After a challenging season and starting from 16th on the grid, Hamilton executed a remarkable comeback to finish fourth. His last lap as a Mercedes driver was particularly memorable; he overtook teammate George Russell in a thrilling maneuver, showcasing the skill that has earned him seven world titles.
It has been probably the longest year of my life, knowing from the beginning I was leaving. It’s like a relationship where you’ve told your partner you’re leaving but you’re still living together for a while. There's been a lot of ups and downs, but we finished on a high note today
– Lewis Hamilton. Mercedes AMG Pertones F1 Team
As Hamilton reflected on his 12-year tenure with Mercedes, he expressed mixed emotions. "It has been probably the longest year of my life, knowing from the beginning I was leaving," he admitted. "It’s like a relationship where you’ve told your partner you’re leaving but you’re still living together for a while. There's been a lot of ups and downs, but we finished on a high note today." In his farewell address, he expressed gratitude for the experiences and the team that supported him throughout his historic career, recognizing it as the “greatest moment” of his life.
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Hamilton’s journey with Mercedes has been characterized by unparalleled success. He leaves the team as one of the most decorated drivers in F1 history, having secured two victories in the 2024 season. Although he faced challenges, including a lackluster performance in Qatar just a week before the Abu Dhabi race, he noted the strong bond he developed with the team. Hamilton’s journey with Mercedes has been characterized by unparalleled success. He leaves the team as one of the most decorated drivers in F1 history, having secured two victories in the 2024 season. Although he faced challenges, including a lackluster performance in Qatar just a week before the Abu Dhabi race, he noted the strong bond he developed with the team.
Russell, who has partnered with Hamilton over the last three years, expressed admiration for his teammate's influence. “I felt like it was quite a fitting way to finish with Lewis, to be one second apart after these years,” Russell said. He acknowledged the significant lessons he learned from Hamilton—not just about racing, but about being a role model for younger generations.
Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff praised Hamilton's contribution to the team, highlighting the trust and values built over a decade of collaboration. "It creates attachment, trust, and those values are rare, which is why this period will always hold a special place in our hearts," he remarked.
As the 2024 season draws to a close, McLaren revels in its hard-earned victory while Hamilton embarks on a new chapter, set to join Ferrari in 2025. The season finale in Abu Dhabi was not just a race; it was a culmination of years of hard work, resilience, and celebration of the sport’s most talented drivers.
Dec 09, 2024
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