Norris wins Abu Dhabi GP, McLaren F1 champions after 26 years

Lando Norris secured his fourth win of the season at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and helped McLaren win their first constructor’s championship since 1988. Beginning from pole position, Norris avoided the first-lap chaos when his teammate Piastri, who started P2, was spun by the defending champion Max Verstappen of Red Bull. Norris then controlled the race, defending against the Ferrari duo, Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc, who made a remarkable comeback from P19 to P3 and was named Driver of the Day. Giving a good fight, Carlos Sainz secured second position, and Charles Leclerc came third at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix 2024. 

F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: A proud Norris

The start was quite strong for Norris from the pole, which was later followed by chaos unfolded behind him, when Piastri and Verstappen clashed, fighting to secure the second position. Which later followed by Verstappen being penalised, and Piastri dropped down the order. Piastri then faced another setback with a penalty for colliding with Franco Colapinto’s Williams.

While everyone was fighting on the field, including a strong performance from Ferrari, Norris stayed focused at the front to win, crossing the finish line five seconds ahead of former teammate Sainz, securing the constructors’ title for McLaren. Carlos Sainz secured the second position. 

Norris, who joined McLaren’s young driver programme in 2017, before making his F1 debut with the squad in 2019 said, “It feels incredible, not just for myself but for the whole team”. The team has done an amazing job this year to come from where we were at the beginning. I’m so proud of everyone – it’s been a lovely journey. And to end the season like this is perfect, so just congratulations and big thank you to everyone in McLaren, everyone who supported us this year because it’s been a tough one.”

He further added, “For us to win a constructors’ championship after 26 years is pretty special. We’re going to celebrate, this is a historic moment for the team. They’re going to want to celebrate, and I want to celebrate with them so it’s going to be a good night!”

Giving a strong performance, the Ferrari driver, Charles Leclerc secured the third position, rising from P19. Behind him, a late battle between Mercedes teammates George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, led to Hamilton securing fourth position, marking an emotional end to his time with the team.

F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: The remaining pack

Verstappen finished sixth after recovering from his earlier penalty, with Pierre Gasly seventh, securing P6 for Alpine in the constructors’ championship. Nico Hulkenberg secured eighth position for Haas, followed by Fernando Alonso in ninth for Aston Martin. Piastri’s recovery drive ended in 10th, a disappointing result for the Australian despite his team’s success.

Alex Albon finished 11th for Williams, just outside the points, with Yuki Tsunoda 12th for Red Bull. Zhou Guanyu ended his final race for Sauber in 13th, ahead of Aston Martin’s Lance Stroll in 14th. Jack Doohan made his Alpine debut, finishing 15th ahead of his full season next year.

Valtteri Bottas’ time with Sauber ended early after he retired due to a puncture, while Franco Colapinto’s stint with Williams also ended on Lap 26. Sergio Perez was the final retiree, spinning on Lap 1 after contact with Bottas and finishing with a DNF, amid ongoing speculation about his return next season.