Lando Norris brought the 2024 Formula 1 season to a thrilling close with a dominant victory at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, securing McLaren’s first constructors’ championship since 1998. Norris, starting from pole position, drove an assured race, fending off chaos behind him to take the chequered flag by five seconds from former teammate Carlos Sainz.
The Briton’s strong start was marred by incidents behind him, including a collision between Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen, which earned the latter a penalty. Piastri’s troubles continued with a punishment for a separate incident with Franco Colapinto’s Williams.
Despite fierce battles throughout the field, Norris remained calm and composed, securing his victory and McLaren’s constructors’ title. Charles Leclerc’s impressive drive from 19th on the grid earned him third place, while a late duel between Mercedes teammates George Russell and Lewis Hamilton saw the seven-time world champion snatch fourth.
Verstappen recovered from his early penalty to finish sixth, followed by Pierre Gasly in seventh, securing Alpine’s sixth place in the constructors’ championship. Nico Hulkenberg took eighth for Haas, with Fernando Alonso ninth for Aston Martin. Piastri’s recovery drive ended in tenth, a disappointing result despite McLaren’s triumph.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix marked emotional farewells for several drivers, including Lewis Hamilton, who ended his chapter with Mercedes, and Valtteri Bottas, whose stint with Alfa Romeo came to a premature close due to a puncture.
