In a race crammed with drama and historic milestones, Lando Norris delivered a surprising efficiency on the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, main from begin to end to win McLaren's first constructors' championship in 26 years. The Briton's victory, his fourth of the season, caps an distinctive 12 months for the staff and ends Ferrari's hopes of a last-minute shock.
“You all deserve this. Thanks a lot. It’s been a particular 12 months,” Norris mentioned over the staff radio as he crossed the end line. “Subsequent 12 months shall be my 12 months too.”
A historic victory for McLaren
Norris's 25 factors from the victory, mixed with teammate Oscar Piastri's single level after a tenth place end, gave McLaren a 14-point lead over Ferrari within the closing standings. It was the primary time since 1998 that McLaren had lifted the Constructors' Trophy, cementing its resurgence as a power in Components 1.
Nonetheless, the race was not with out its difficulties. Piastri's hopes of a powerful end had been dashed after a first-corner collision with Pink Bull's Max Verstappen, relegating him to the again of the sector.
Ferrari fights for the rostrum
Ferrari drivers Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc secured second and third locations respectively, however their efforts didn’t topple McLaren. Leclerc made an unbelievable cost by means of the peloton, beginning nineteenth and ending on the rostrum, a feat that demonstrated his ability and dedication.
“Sadly we had been beginning too far-off to do higher than what we did,” Leclerc mentioned. “It hurts when a season is so shut till the top.”
Hamilton's farewell to Mercedes
Lewis Hamilton's closing race for Mercedes was one other spotlight. Beginning sixteenth, the seven-time world champion labored his method as much as fourth, overtaking teammate George Russell on the ultimate lap. Mercedes staff principal Toto Wolff praised the efficiency: “Lewis, that was the dynamism of a world champion.”
Hamilton, who will be a part of Ferrari subsequent season, ended his tenure at Mercedes by smoking tires in celebration, waving to the gang in Abu Dhabi.
Verstappen's struggles
Max Verstappen, already topped four-time Drivers' Champion, had a irritating race. A collision with Piastri earned him a 10-second penalty, and his frustration was evident on staff radio: “Might we ask for 20 seconds, idiots,” he joked. The Dutch driver completed sixth, a far cry from the dominant type he displayed all through the season.
Midfield battles and McLaren triumph
Alpine's Pierre Gasly completed seventh, serving to his staff safe sixth place within the constructors' standings, whereas Haas' Nico Hulkenberg and Aston Martin's Fernando Alonso accomplished the highest 10.
For McLaren, this victory marked a brand new chapter. CEO Zak Brown mirrored on the tense experience: “It was by far the worst two hours of my life. This race, he (Norris) carried us. He drove completely. »
Seeking to the long run
As groups start to arrange for the 2025 season, McLaren's resurgence and Norris' assertion of intent point out they are going to be a staff to observe. In the meantime, Ferrari welcomes energy duo Hamilton and Leclerc, paving the way in which for one more thrilling chapter in Components 1.
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