Norris and Piastri Seal the Deal in Abu Dhabi
McLaren has officially ended its 26-year wait for a Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship, clinching the title in dramatic fashion at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Drivers Lando Norris, 25, and Oscar Piastri, 23, delivered the long-awaited victory, keeping McLaren ahead of Ferrari by a narrow 21-point margin.
Norris, starting from pole position after a stellar qualifying session, capped off his season with a race win, cementing his role as a team leader. Meanwhile, Piastri, who began second on the grid, encountered an early collision with Red Bull’s Max Verstappen and finished in 10th place. Despite the setback, the team’s overall performance secured the trophy for McLaren’s “papaya family.”
Ferrari’s Late Push Falls Short
Ferrari drivers Carlos Sainz Jr. and Charles Leclerc made a valiant effort to close the gap, with both earning podium finishes—Sainz in second and Leclerc in third. However, their chances were hampered by a 10-place grid penalty for Leclerc, leaving them unable to overtake McLaren in the standings. Sainz’s podium marked the end of his Ferrari tenure, as he prepares to join Williams Racing next season.
Hamilton’s Farewell to Mercedes
Seven-time World Champion Lewis Hamilton also made headlines during the final race, overtaking teammate George Russell on the last lap to secure fourth place in his final outing for Mercedes-AMG Petronas. Hamilton is set to join Ferrari in 2025, adding intrigue to next season’s driver lineups.
A Long Road to Glory for McLaren
McLaren’s last Constructors’ title came in 1998 with Mika Häkkinen and David Coulthard behind the wheel. Since then, the team has faced highs and lows, but a major turnaround began under CEO Zak Brown, who joined in 2018, and team principal Andrea Stella.
Norris debuted with McLaren in 2019, and Piastri joined in 2023 after a year as a reserve driver. This season proved transformative, with Norris claiming four race wins and Piastri adding two, including their first career victories at the Miami and Hungarian Grands Prix. Together, they secured 20 podium finishes, a feat that reestablished McLaren as a dominant force in Formula 1.
Norris Reflects on the Team’s Hard Work
Speaking to The Hollywood Reporter ahead of the Las Vegas Grand Prix, Norris reflected on McLaren’s journey to the top.
“After the first few races, we knew we had a lot of work to do,” he said. “But we did it. We became the most competitive team this year, racing against the best of the best who’ve been in this position for so long.”
Big Financial Rewards Await
Beyond the prestige, McLaren’s championship win comes with a hefty financial boost. According to The Associated Press, the prize for the Constructors’ title typically hovers around $140 million—a significant windfall to fuel the team’s continued success.
After years of rebuilding, McLaren has firmly reestablished itself as a powerhouse, with Norris and Piastri at the helm of this new golden era. The future looks bright for the papaya-clad champions.
