Norris victory seals Constructors' Championship for McLaren

Written by Sports Desk. Posted in Other Sports. | 08 December 2024 | 82 Views
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Lando Norris won from pole at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to ensure McLaren won the Formula One Constructors' Championship.

McLaren knew a victory on Sunday would ensure their first title since 1998, and despite a dramatic start, Norris ultimately got the job done as he led through the entire 58 laps.

Norris held off the Ferrari's of Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc, with the latter charging up from 19th to claim a podium finish.

Lewis Hamilton, meanwhile, capped off his Mercedes career - before he replaces Sainz at Ferrari - in style, flying up from 16th to finish fourth, ahead of his team-mate George Russell, who gave way to the seven-time world champion on the final lap.

A chaotic first corner caused plenty of concern for McLaren, as Oscar Piastri was clipped by four-time reigning champion Max Verstappen.

Piastri spun off the track and returned with plenty of ground to make up on the rest of the field, and matters were made even more complicated for the Australian when he received a penalty for colliding with Franco Colapinto.

Verstappen was penalised too, for causing that early clash with Piastri.

It was a poor day for Verstappen's team-mate Sergio Perez, who was potentially making his final appearance for Red Bull.

He bowed out after less than one lap, after a collision with Valtteri Bottas, who himself was forced to retire later on, potentially bringing the curtain down on his F1 career, with the Finn expected to be a reserve driver next season at Mercedes.

Yet despite the drama behind him, and the brilliant drive from Leclerc that applied even more pressure, Norris kept his cool at the front, never offering an opportunity to Sainz, who occupied second throughout.

"You all deserve this. Thank you so much. It's been a special year. Next year is going to be my year too," said Norris over the team radio after he crossed the finish line, with McLaren winning the title by 14 points.

Data Debrief: McLaren make their mark

Norris and Piastri were not even born when McLaren last won a team title, while the 26 years since that last victory is the longest such gap in F1 history. It is the first time since 2009 that a team other than Mercedes or Red Bull have won the championship.

Hamilton, meanwhile, drew the curtain down on his spectacular Mercedes career with one last hurrah.

During his time with the team, he set the records for the most wins (105), most pole positions (104) and podium finishes (202). However, he did finish a season outside of the top six for the first time in his career.

It was a great effort from Ferrari, who were always up against it this weekend, especially after Leclerc was handed a 10-place penalty for a battery change. He at least charged back to finish on the podium for the 13th time in 2024.

Top 10

1. Lando Norris (McLaren)

2. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari)

3. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)

4. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)

5. George Russell (Mercedes)

6. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)

7. Pierre Gasly (Alpine)

8. Nico Hulkenberg (Haas)

9. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)

10. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)

CHAMPIONSHIP STANDINGS