Round 24 of the longest-ever Formula 1 season in history, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, crowned the 2024 Constructors’ Champion after an epic race won by Lando Norris to end McLaren’s 26-year hiatus, capturing their first Championship of the 21st century.
“This feels incredible,” Lando Norris said. “The team has done an amazing job this season to come from where we were at the beginning. I am so proud of everyone.”
“It’s been a lovely journey, and to end the season with another race win is perfect. A big thank you goes to everyone at McLaren, everyone in Papaya, and everyone who supported us this year. It’s been tough, but for us to win the Constructors’ Championship after 26 years is pretty special,” he added.
“I’ve learned a lot from this year, from the team and the competitors around me. I’m excited to get next year going.”
It took McLaren 26 years to lift the FIA Formula One Constructors’ Championship once and again, adding to their rich heritage.
As the saying goes, glory belongs to those who persevere, and so they did, proving the wait, effort, and determination to achieve the feat were all worth it.
On Sunday night and under the Yas Marina Circuit floodlights, the Papaya outfit won the battle at the front with Scuderia Ferrari to become the 2024 winners, accomplishing their first F1 Constructors’ title of the 21st century.
“I’m incredibly proud of the entire team here, both trackside and back at the factory,” McLaren Team Principal Andrea Stella outlined. “It’s been 26 years since we’ve won the Championship. It’s a wonderful feeling this evening. Our work has paid off, and we’ll be celebrating with everyone.
“I would like to give my thanks to each and everyone in the team for their hard work and dedication. It’s been a hard-fought Championship.
“Well done to Ferrari, who drove a really good race today, as well, and were great competitors. It won’t be long until we are heading down into next year, but until then, we’ll take in every moment and celebrate our win.”
The 2024 Formula One season, the longest in its history, concluded with an epic showdown between long-time rivals McLaren and Ferrari.
The Woking-based squad headed to Abu Dhabi with a 21-point advantage over the Prancing Horse with 44 points still on the table.
On Saturday, the papaya drivers made clinical moves toward the team’s goal, locking out the front row in qualifying with Norris in pole position and Oscar Piastri starting from P2.
Meanwhile, the Maranello outfit experienced issues with Charles Leclerc’s car on Friday, which led to the replacement of the energy store, facing a 10-place grid penalty.
The following day, the Monegasque racer was knocked out in Q2, dropping to P19 in the field, and forced to a recovery race. Moreover, teammate Carlos Sainz qualifed P3.
Everything seemed to go smoothly for the team founded by legendary Bruce McLaren in 1963, but a Grand Prix outcome is unpredictable.
An eventful opening lap saw Norris holding his position, quickly building a solid advantage over Sainz in control throughout the race to earn the triumph, his first in Abu Dhabi, claiming 25 points.
For his part, Piastri clashed into Turn 1 with four-time F1 world champion Max Verstappen, spinning and dropping positions in the battle for second.
The Dutchman received a 10-second penalty, and the Australian dropped in the field.
Furthermore, things got worse before getting better for Piastri, who was penalized by the FIA Stewards after making contact with the Williams of Franco Colapinto, causing a collision.
Ultimately, he grabbed a point for his team, taking the chequered flag in 10th place, becoming the fourth driver in Formula One history to complete every lap in a season.
Leclerc’s outstanding start to the race saw him avoiding the early chaos ahead to reach eighth place on the opening lap.
“I knew that on Lap 1, I had to take all the risk possible to gain as many places as possible to be in a good position for the rest of the race,” he commented. “Unfortunately, we were just starting too far back to do anything better than what we’ve done today. I think we’ve done the maximum.”
“It hurts. We still gave it all and just came short of our goal, which is a shame, but we’ve tried everything.”
The driving masterclass resulted in the 27-year-old taking third place, just behind his teammate.
The Spaniard’s brave effort allowed him to step on the podium one last time with the Scuderia before joining Williams.
“We gave it everything we had,” Sainz stressed. “I did my best to try to keep Lando (Norris) under pressure, but today McLaren was just a bit faster overall. Congratulations to the Papaya team for the Constructors’ Championship; they fought hard, and they deserve it!
“As a team, we should be proud of what we’ve accomplished this year; five wins and numerous podiums is no small feat in such a tight championship.”
“It was an emotional parade lap after the chequered flag, and I suspect tonight will bring even more emotions. These four years together are something I will always cherish, and I have no words to describe it in a simple final quote. Grazie di cuore!
All in all, Ferrari ended just 14 points behind McLaren.
Mercedes said farewell to seven-time F1 world champion Lewis Hamilton - moving to Ferrari next season - who secured fourth place ahead of teammate George Russell and Verstappen.
