McLaren achieved a remarkable milestone by clinching the constructors’ championship at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, marking the team’s first title since Lewis Hamilton secured the driver’s championship in 2008. This victory ends a long wait of 26 years for the constructors’ title, which they last won in 1998 with drivers Mika Hakkinen and David Coulthard.
The season finale highlighted Lando Norris’s skill as he secured a win over Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc. Although Oscar Piastri encountered difficulties, crashing at the first corner with Max Verstappen, and later receiving a penalty for a clash, Norris’s stellar performance reinforced McLaren’s strong position, allowing them to win the championship by a margin of 14 points.
This victory marks McLaren’s ninth constructors’ title in their 58-year Formula 1 history, tying them with Williams for second most all-time, trailing only Ferrari’s 16 titles. The team took the lead in the constructors’ standings at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix in mid-September, ending Red Bull’s remarkable 55-race streak at the top. The decline of Red Bull during the final races of the season allowed McLaren to fend off challenges, with Ferrari being their primary contender.
The success of the season was largely credited to significant upgrades introduced at the Miami Grand Prix, which significantly enhanced the performance of both Norris and Piastri, positioning them as frontrunners for race victories. Despite Norris losing mathematical chances of contending for the drivers’ title in Las Vegas, his performance throughout the season, as well as McLaren’s revival, offers optimism for the future.
This victory not only celebrates McLaren’s rich history and resilience but also represents a new chapter of competitiveness in the constantly evolving landscape of Formula 1. The team now holds a firm position among the elite, and fans can look forward to seeing what the future holds for McLaren as they continue to build on this success.