After a dominating Abu Dhabi Grand Prix led from start to finish, the Papaya driver, Lando Norris, crosses the line to take his fourth win. Most importantly, it helped McLaren become the Formula 1 2024 Constructors Championship.
The last time McLaren took the top spot in the Constructors Championship was in 1998. With the help of Mika Hakkinen and David Coulthard, the Finnish driver also sealed his first-ever Formula 1 Driver’s Championship.
But let’s look at how McLaren’s season finale made the Papaya team the most dominant team this season and in the future.
McLaren Race Result: 1st and 10th
Embed from Getty ImagesLando Norris had no fear inside car number 4; he did not lose focus on his race lead. For Oscar Piastri, disaster struck going into turn 1.
The fast-starting Red Bull of Max Verstappen manages to shoot up into third. But overconfidence can make you careless as the Flying Dutchman dives on the inside of Oscar Piastri. Sending both drivers into a spin with Piastri is worse. Leaving him plum last.
The Australian began climbing back up the field before coming into contact with Franco Colapinto’s Williams, slamming on the brakes and hitting the rear of the Williams, handing Piastri a 10-second penalty.
A day that would go from bad to worse.
However, the number 81 driver would not allow this chaotic start to slow him down. Serving his penalty and on a new set of tyres, Oscar would find himself fighting the likes of Aston Martin, Alpine and RB to eventually claw back one championship point at the end of the race, finishing the race 10th.
14 Points at the End Between Ferrari and McLaren
Embed from Getty Images‘Close but no cigar’ comes to mind as Ferrari did push themselves to second and third place. But it was not enough for the Scuderia team to mount pressure on the calm and composed race leader, Lando Norris.
Ferrari made themselves look like the prancing horses we come to know, with Charles Leclerc starting 19th and climbing up to third. But this teeth-grinding charge by the ‘fezzes’ would outscore McLaren by seven points, which was insufficient. The overall margin would decrease from 21 to 14.
Ferrari could only commiserate on their charge while McLaren celebrated the welcoming a ninth constructors championship brought to Woking.
“Next Year is My Year” – Lando Norris
Embed from Getty ImagesA statement or a warning? In this case… Both. After dominating the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Lando Norris made his intentions clear on the team radio about his aspirations for the 2025 season:
“It’s been a special year. Next year is going to be my year too.”
His team boss and CEO of McLaren, Zac Brown, holds the same ambition as the British driver but highlights that the driver’s championship for 2025 will be left with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri to decide between themselves.
One could say that Zac is somewhat biased in making the submissive comment that he “wouldn’t bet against” Norris for next season.
So, for us Formula 1 fans, it is farewell for now. Close the chapter on the Formula 1 2024 World Championship Season, and soon, in March, the pen will be picked back up to begin writing a new chapter.
The 2025 Formula 1 Season.
If you would like to learn more news about the world of Formula 1? Then why not check out “Abu Dhabi Grand Prix: The Final Challenge is Here!” or “One Race to Go! Who Will Be Crowned Constructors Champion?”