The 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix concluded with a dramatic flair as Lando Norris claimed a decisive victory, securing McLaren’s first Constructors’ Championship since 1998. The race was marked by strategic plays and a notable collision between Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri, further shaping the final standings.
An Electrifying Start
As the race commenced, Norris shot off the line from pole position, maintaining a substantial lead from the get-go. The anticipated intra-team battle at Turn 1 quickly shifted focus to a dramatic incident involving Verstappen and McLaren’s Piastri. Verstappen’s aggressive dive led to a collision, sending both cars spinning and drifting to the back of the pack.
Sainz Takes Advantage
Capitalising on the chaos, Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz moved into second place, recovering a position lost at the start. Norris capitalised on this advantage, stretching his lead to 1.8 seconds by the end of the first lap before it was neutralised by a Virtual Safety Car (VSC) period, triggered by Sergio Perez’s retirement following a clash with Valtteri Bottas.
Battle Intensifies
Once racing resumed, penalties were swiftly handed to Verstappen and Bottas, each receiving 10-second time deductions for their respective first-lap incidents. Norris continued to push the pace, building his gap to Sainz to nearly 4 seconds as the race settled into rhythm.
Middle Stints Define the Race
With strategic pit stops coming into play, Sainz was the first of the front-runners to switch to hard tyres on lap 25, shortly followed by Norris to maintain his track position. As tyres warmed and tactics unfolded, the pair maintained a cat-and-mouse chase, with Norris holding his lead diligently.
Dominance in the Final Laps
Norris’s pace proved unmatchable in the closing stages, consistently lapping in the low 1m28s bracket and steadily moving to a decisive 5.8-second win. Meanwhile, Charles Leclerc, who started from the back, showcased his tenacity by climbing to third, overtaking Pierre Gasly and later George Russell to cement his podium finish.
Hamilton’s Strong Exit
Lewis Hamilton, in his final race for Mercedes, exhibited a strategic masterclass. Starting on hard tyres, he endured a long opening stint before charging through the field post pit stop. A thrilling final-lap battle saw him surpass teammate George Russell for fourth, capping off an illustrious tenure with the team.
Verstappen’s Eventful Race
Despite the early setback and subsequent penalty, Verstappen mounted a recovery to finish sixth. He managed to work his way back into the points, reflecting his resilience despite a day of missed opportunities.
Midfield Dynamics and Final Outcomes
The midfield battle saw Alpine securing sixth place in the Constructors’ Championship, holding off a challenge from Haas, helmed by Nico Hulkenberg. Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso completed the top ten, while rookie Franco Colapinto’s race ended due to an engine issue.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix not only capped off the 2024 season with a thrilling climax but also marked several notable departures and introductions, promising an exciting shake-up for next season.
Looking Ahead
As fans celebrate McLaren’s return to the pinnacle of Formula 1, attention now turns to the pre-season developments. How will other teams respond over the winter? Stay tuned for more insights as the 2025 season stakes its claim.
