F1 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: Lando Norris leads McLaren towards 2024

The 2024 Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship was finally won by McLaren’s Lando Norris in Abu Dhabi, ending a long title drought. The win was a watershed moment for McLaren, finally breaking the team’s 26-year championship drought. Second place went to Ferrari driver Carlos Sainz, who struggled to pass Norris but ultimately failed. Third place was Charles Leclerc. Despite its best efforts, Ferrari’s 16-year championship drought persisted. Lewis Hamilton started in 16th and shocked the crowd in the final race with Mercedes when he rocketed back to fourth. The seven-time world champion overtook George Russell on the final lap as a long-awaited move to Ferrari loomed. Max Verstappen’s race was marred by a 10-second penalty after he collided with Oscar Piastri’s McLaren. However, the four-time world champion rallied and finished sixth.

Also read: MotoGP: Alpine to sponsor Premac Racing from 2025

Pierre Gasly finished seventh ahead of Nico Hülkenberg, helping Alpine finish sixth in the constructors’ championship. Fernando Alonso and Oscar Piastri were ninth and 10th respectively.

F1 Abu Dhabi: Race Results

Alex Albon missed out on points from Williams and finished 11th. Yuki Tsunoda (Red Bull Racing) and Guanyu Zhou (Sauber Racing) followed closely, finishing 12th and 13th respectively. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin) finished 14th, while Jack Doohan impressed on his Alpine debut in 15th.

Several drivers faced early exit. Kevin Magnussen (Haas) ended his season in 16th place, while Liam Lawson’s Red Bull Racing suffered a late-race failure, forcing him to retire. Valtteri Bottas (Sauber) and Franco Colapinto (Williams) had their final session cut short due to punctures.

Also read: F1: Haas confirms Esteban Ocon for post-season testing

Sergio Perez (Red Bull) also retired after a collision with Bottas on the first lap. The Mexican’s future in Formula 1 remains uncertain, with speculation that he could return in 2025.