Britain’s Lando Norris won the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix at the Yas Marina Circuit, cementing a historic year for McLaren. With a time of 1h:26:33.291, Norris led with authority in an emotionally charged race, leaving Carlos Sainz in second place, 5.832 seconds behind, while Charles Leclerc completed the podium, more than 30 seconds behind the leader.
Norris‘ victory marked a milestone not only in his career, but also in the recent history of McLaren, which had not won a constructors’ title since 1998. The achievement was sealed thanks to a flawless team strategy and an outstanding performance from the Briton throughout the season. Norris also secured runner-up spot in the Drivers’ Championship, scoring 349 points, ahead of Charles Leclerc, who finished the year with 341 points.
The last battle of 2024
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix closed the season with a thrilling spectacle. Lando Norris took advantage of a collision between Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri at the start to lead the race from the off, backed by McLaren’s flawless strategy. Carlos Sainz, on his farewell to Ferrari, secured second place after an intense battle with Lewis Hamilton, who finished fourth after being overtaken by Charles Leclerc in the closing laps.
On the other hand, the day was not favourable for several contenders. Max Verstappen, already an early world champion, was penalised 10 seconds after the initial collision, leaving him out of the fight for points. Sergio Pérez, after contact with Valtteri Bottas, retired in the opening laps, ending a difficult season for Red Bull.
Farewells and the Future of Formula 1
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix marked the end of an era for several drivers. Carlos Sainz, in his last race with Ferrari, bid farewell with an emotional message to the fans, thanking them for their support during his time with the Italian team. It was also Lewis Hamilton’s farewell to Mercedes after a historic partnership that redefined Formula 1 over the last decade. On the other hand, Sergio Pérez confirmed his retirement from the category, leaving his mark as one of the best Latin American drivers.
Looking ahead to 2025, the grid promises an exciting renewal. New talent will join the championship, while teams such as McLaren and Ferrari will be looking to consolidate their gains against Red Bull’s dominance. With pre-season testing already on the horizon, anticipation for the next championship is at an all-time high.
