On Sunday, December 8, at the Yas Marina Circuit, McLaren Formula 1 achieved a remarkable milestone by clinching the 2024 Constructors’ Championship during the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Following the race, McLaren drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri, along with Team Principal Andrea Stella, shared their insights on this significant triumph.
The race unfolded with Lando Norris successfully maintaining his pole position at the start. However, the initial excitement turned into a challenge for Oscar Piastri, who experienced a collision with Max Verstappen, dropping him to P19 early in the race.
As the race progressed, a Virtual Safety Car restart allowed Oscar to gain a position, moving ahead of Colapinto into P18, while Lando continued to lead at P1. Oscar’s strategy included an early pit stop where he switched to Hard tyres, but he faced a setback with a 10-second time penalty due to his earlier collision with Colapinto.
Lando, maintaining his strong performance, pitted on Lap 26, transitioning to Hard tyres and preserving his lead over Carlos Sainz. Meanwhile, Oscar served his penalty while changing to new Hard tyres on Lap 33, emerging back in P15. Due to a series of pit stops by his competitors, he impressively climbed to P12, while Lando stretched his lead at the front to three seconds ahead of Sainz.
In the closing laps, both drivers showcased their skills, with Oscar advancing further and Lando solidifying his position. Ultimately, Lando’s victory was pivotal, securing the Constructors’ Championship for McLaren in a thrilling season finale.
This victory not only highlights McLaren’s competitive resurgence in Formula 1 but also sets a positive tone heading into future seasons. The team’s dedication and strategic prowess were fundamental in achieving this championship, offering hope for even brighter days ahead in motorsport excellence.