Lando Norris secured a dominant victory at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to win McLaren their first constructors’ championship since 1998.
The 25-year-old’s fourth win of the season meant McLaren held off the charge of Ferrari as team-mate Oscar Piastri finished only 10th after an eventful race for the Australian at the Yas Marina Circuit.
Ferrari pair Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc were second and third to push McLaren all the way but Norris’ win was enough to secure the title.
McLaren, whose last crown came with Mika Hakkinen and David Coulthard at the wheel, finished 14 points clear of the Scuderia.
Follow live updates from the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix:
Sainz signs off in style
Of course, this is Carlos Sainz’s final race with Ferrari as Lewis Hamilton is taking his seat next year.
Sainz, who finished second in the race, said: “Thank you Ferrari. It’s been a pleasure driving for you guys. Forza Ferrari.”
Kieran Jackson8 December 2024 15:02
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix full results
1. Lando Norris (McLaren)
2. Carlos Sainz (McLaren)
3. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
4. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
5. George Russell (Mercedes)
6. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
8. Nico Hulkenberg (Haas)
9. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
10. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
11. Alex Albon (Williams)
14. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
16. Kevin Magnussen (Haas)
DNF. Valtteri Bottas (Ssauber)
DNF. Franco Colapinto (Williams)
DNF. Sergio Perez (Red Bull)
Mike Jones8 December 2024 14:56
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix results
Lando Norris triumphs in Abu Dhabi, here’s a look at how the top-10 finished:
1. Lando Norris (McLaren)
2. Carlos Sainz (McLaren)
3. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
4. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
5. George Russell (Mercedes)
6. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
8. Nico Hulkenberg (Haas)
9. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
10. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
Mike Jones8 December 2024 14:43
Lando Norris reacts to Abu Dhabi win
“Papaya on top! Congrats to everyone. Incredible, so proud of you all you all deserve this. Thank you, it’s been a special one. Next year is going to be my year too.”
Mike Jones8 December 2024 14:38
Lewis Hamilton celebrates final race with Mercedes
Lewis Hamilton put in one of the drives of the day. He took his Mercedes from 16th to 4th and celebrates by doing donuts on the grid.
It’s his last race as a Mercedes driver and as he exits the car, the crowd gives a huge cheer and start chanting his name. Toto Wolff has a huge grin on his face.
Mike Jones8 December 2024 14:36
Lando Norris holds his nerve to guide McLaren to F1 glory in Abu Dhabi after 26-year wait
There would be no second chances this time. Lando Norris has been prone to in-race lapses of judgement and concentration in 2024 but here, with a 26-year hoodoo solely in his hands, the Bristolian gave his beloved McLaren a long-awaited constructors’ championship at the season-finale.
Norris, pole-sitter and the quickest man all weekend, kept it clean and avoided trouble – where his teammate Oscar Piastri did not – to win the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and seal the teams’ title for the papaya. Ferrari did their best, with Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc both on the podium, but ultimately a 13-point advantage was good enough.
The last time McLaren sealed the constructors’ championship, Mika Hakkinen and David Coulthard were the drivers in the cockpit. Both were present here in Abu Dhabi on the broadcast side, as one of F1’s biggest teams ended their long wait.
Mike Jones8 December 2024 14:34
Lando Norris secures Constructors’ Championship for McLaren
Lando Norris’ victory in Abu Dhabi means that McLaren secure the Constructors’ Championship for the first time since 1998.
Over the radio he says: “Thanks everyone, it’s been a special year. Next year is going to be my year too!”
Mike Jones8 December 2024 14:33
F1 Abu Dhabi GP LIVE: Hamilton overtakes Russell!
On the very last lap, with the only opportunity to get DRS, Lewis Hamilton manages to get around the outside of George Russell and cross the line in fourth place!
Mike Jones8 December 2024 14:31
LANDO NORRIS WINS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX!
After his teammate was taken out on the first lap, Lando Norris got himself into the lead and held off the threat of the two Ferrari’s to stay ahead.
The 25 points he takes home mean McLaren win the constructors’ championship for the first time since 1998!
Mike Jones8 December 2024 14:30
F1 Abu Dhabi GP LIVE: Can Russell defend against Hamilton?
Just the two laps left in this race. Lando Norris seems to have everything in hand to claim the constructors’ championship for the first time since 1998 for McLaren.
The battle of the moment is between Mercedes teammates George Russell and Lewis Hamilton. There’s just over a second between them now.
Can Russell hold off Hamilton?
Mike Jones8 December 2024 14:28