McLaren are the 2024 Formula 1 Constructors champions after Lando Norris cruised to victory at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
When Oscar Piastri made contact with Max Verstappen at the first corner, McLaren would have feared the worst as they bid to lift their first crown since 1998.
However, Norris produced a faultless drive from pole to ensure that they held off the challenge of Ferrari, who had second and third-placed finishes through Carlos Sainz Jr and Charles Leclerc.
As a result of Norris' fourth win of the season, McLaren finished 14 points clear of their rivals and 77 points ahead of Red Bull.
McLAREN CLINCH THEIR FIRST CONSTRUCTORS' CHAMPIONSHIP OF THE 21ST CENTURY! 🏆
— Formula 1 (@F1) December 8, 2024
What an achievement, what a season! 🧡#F1 #AbuDhabiGP pic.twitter.com/e9Yyd6pcXo
Another Verstappen penalty
A rare piece of drama came at the opening corner as Verstappen made a dive inside Piastri, making contact with the Australian's McLaren. As Piastri went to the back of the pack, Verstappen was handed a 10-second penalty.
That dictated that Piastri had to drive his way through the field to eventually finish in 10th place, while world champion Verstappen had a relatively quiet afternoon on the back of that incident to end the race in sixth position.
While Leclerc probably deserves to be viewed as driver of the day having gone from 19th on the grid to a podium, Lewis Hamilton deserves a special mention in his final race with Mercedes.
The legendary Briton advanced from 16th to fifth with momentum in his favour on the medium tyres during the closing stages, the veteran eventually passing George Russell on the last lap for fourth.
Pierre Gasly, Nico Hulkenberg, Fernando Alonso and Piastri completed the top 10.
Lewis Hamilton gets past George Russell to take P4 in his final race with @MercedesAMGF1 👏👏👏#F1 #AbuDhabiGP pic.twitter.com/nQKmMH185s
— Formula 1 (@F1) December 8, 2024
How did the drivers' standings finish?
Verstappen would end the season sitting 63 points clear of Norris, who subsequently edged out Leclerc by a further 18 points.
Piastri claimed fourth by just the two points from Sainz Jr, with Russell and Hamilton finishing in sixth and seventh place respectively.
Darren Plant
