December 08, (THEWILL) – McLaren returned to the pinnacle of Formula One glory on Sunday, winning the constructors’ championship at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix for the first time since 1998.
Lando Norris claimed victory in the season-ending race, cementing the team’s remarkable achievement after a dominant 2024 campaign.
The British team’s triumph was sealed through a strategic performance that saw Norris cross the finish line first, while teammate Oscar Piastri played a crucial role by finishing tenth after an opening lap collision with Max Verstappen.
Ferrari, the closest competitor, ultimately fell short in their championship pursuit.
Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc completed the podium in second and third positions respectively, providing a valiant final effort in their attempt to challenge McLaren’s championship bid.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton concluded his Mercedes career with a strong fourth-place finish, adding a poignant footnote to his final race before transitioning to Ferrari for the upcoming season.
Verstappen, who had already claimed his fourth consecutive drivers’ title in Las Vegas last month, finished sixth in the race.
The Red Bull driver’s performance did not diminish the significance of McLaren’s team achievement, which represents a remarkable return to form for the historic racing outfit.
The victory represents a transformative moment for McLaren, reaffirming its status as a dominant force in Formula One after years of rebuilding and strategic development.
Jude Obafemi is a versatile senior Correspondent at THEWILL Newspapers, excelling in sourcing, researching, and delivering sports news stories for both print and digital publications.
