Lando Norris from McLaren defeated Ferari's Carlos Sainz securing a formidable and a dramatic win in the last race of the season winning Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at Yas Marina Circuit. The win was a historic one as it helped McLaren bag the coveted Formula One Constructor's Title after 26 years. Norris who also had the pole position didn't left any stone unturned cashing on Ferrari's poor qualifying record last night. This marked 9th Constructor's Championship for McLaren. Carlos Sainz who was competing for the last time as a Ferrari driver finished second while his teammate Charles Leclerc finished third. It was a nerve wracking battle at the end between Ferrari and McLaren but Norris kept his calm and showed his prowess emerging victorious.
Ferrari’s Strong Finish: Double Podium in Abu Dhabi
Despite their slim hopes of a final-day turnaround being almost completely dependent on winning the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, Ferrari ended their season with a notable achievement—a double podium. Carlos Sainz, in his final race for Ferrari, put on a strong performance, finishing in second, while teammate Charles Leclerc delivered an impressive recovery, charging from the back of the grid to secure third.
Dramatic Opening Laps and Hamilton's Farewell
The race was filled with drama right from the start. Max Verstappen collided with Oscar Piastri, causing both cars to spin. Verstappen's teammate at Red Bull, Sergio Perez, also struggled with a spin of his own. Meanwhile, Lewis Hamilton, in what was his last race for Mercedes before a highly anticipated switch to replace Sainz, produced a thrilling drive. Starting from 16th on the grid, Hamilton fought his way through the field to finish fourth, an inspiring performance that capped off his remarkable 12-year partnership with Mercedes.
Verstappen and Gasly's Mixed Fortunes
While Verstappen had already clinched his fourth consecutive Drivers’ Championship before the Abu Dhabi race, his weekend ended on a sour note. After his early collision with Piastri, he received a 10-second time penalty, leaving him to finish a distant sixth. Meanwhile, Pierre Gasly ended his season on a positive note, securing seventh place and helping Alpine finish sixth in the Constructors' Championship, ahead of Haas, who took eighth thanks to Nico Hulkenberg’s strong performance.
McLaren’s Historic Victory: Norris Seals the Title
Lando Norris, who had been with the team since 2019, delivered a composed and flawless performance to win the race, securing the team’s title and confirming McLaren's return to the top of the sport. With McLaren leading by 21 points heading into the final race, they were already in a strong position, but the race’s opening drama turned it into a thrilling spectacle.
Norris, who started from pole, got off to a strong start, while his teammate Piastri, who had qualified second, was involved in an early clash with Verstappen. The incident spun both cars, with Piastri facing a significant challenge after having to pit for fresh tyres. His race was further complicated when he collided with Franco Colapinto, earning a 10-second penalty. With Piastri effectively out of contention, Norris carried McLaren’s hopes single-handedly.
In the aftermath, team principal Zak Brown described the first two hours of the race as the “worst two hours of my life,” but Norris remained focused, opening up a steady lead over Ferrari's Sainz. Reflecting on the win, Norris said, "It feels incredible. Not for myself but for the whole team. They have done an amazing job from where we were at the beginning."
Top 10 Finishers in Abu Dhabi GP
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)
McLaren’s triumph in Abu Dhabi, led by Norris, is a testament to the team's remarkable turnaround. Just seven years ago, McLaren was at rock bottom, finishing second-to-last in the Constructors' standings.
Today, they stand atop the sport, securing their first Constructors' title in over a quarter-century. Norris, clearly proud of his team’s achievements, stated, "For us to win the Constructors' Championship after 26 years is pretty special."
This victory not only capped off a successful season but also highlighted McLaren’s resurgence as a dominant force in Formula 1.
