Lando Norris seals Historic Constructors' title for McLaren

LANDO Norris dominated the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, securing McLaren’s first Constructors’ Championship in 26 years ahead of Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc.

Reflecting on the historic win, Norris said: “It feels incredible, not for myself but for the whole team. [They’ve] done an amazing job this year to come from where we were at the beginning. I’m so proud of everyone; it’s been a lovely journey, and to end the season like this is perfect.”

He added: “Just a congrats and a big thank you to everyone [at] McLaren, everyone in Papaya, everyone who supported us this year because it has been a tough one, but for us to win a Constructors’ [Championship] after 26 years is pretty special.”

McLaren’s championship victory marks their first title since 1998, cementing their resurgence as a dominant force in Formula 1. Norris’ win capped off a stellar season for the Woking-based team, with both he and Oscar Piastri playing pivotal roles in their success.

In what was his 246th and final race for Mercedes, Sir Lewis Hamilton bid an emotional farewell to the team that defined much of his career. Qualifying 18th but starting 16th after penalties reshuffled the grid, the seven-time world champion demonstrated his brilliance by climbing through the field on an alternative strategy. Starting on hard tyres and switching to mediums, Hamilton fought his way to an incredible fourth-place finish.

In a moment that seemed almost fated, Hamilton set his fastest lap of the race on lap 44, clocking a time of 1:27.278 - a symbolic nod to the number that has become synonymous with his legendary career. Even in his final outing for the Silver Arrows, Hamilton showcased his relentless determination and ability to deliver when it mattered most.

Crossing the line behind his future teammate Charles Leclerc and ahead of his current one, George Russell, Hamilton delivered a heartfelt message over the team radio:

“Thank you for all the courage, determination, the passion, for seeing me and supporting me. What started out as a leap of faith turned into a journey into the history books. We did everything together, and I’m so, so grateful to everyone back at the factory from the bottom of my heart.”

Hamilton’s long-time engineer, Pete Bonington—affectionately known as Bono—replied: “All the best. Thank you, Lewis. It’s been an amazing journey. I’ve been so grateful to be part of this chapter of your life. Best of luck.”

Team boss Toto Wolff also added his own message: “We love you, and you’re always going to be part of the family. If we can’t win, you should win.”

After the race, Hamilton knelt beside the last Mercedes Formula 1 car he will drive, marking the end of an era before his move to Ferrari in 2025.

Hamilton’s future teammate, Charles Leclerc, delivered one of the standout performances of the day. Starting 19th after taking a 10-place grid penalty for a new power unit, the Monegasque driver carved through the field to finish third, earning Driver of the Day honours. Leclerc’s drive underlined Ferrari’s competitiveness and set the stage for a promising 2025 season.

Post-race, Leclerc reflected on his approach: “I knew that in lap 1 I had to take all the risks possible in order to gain as many places as possible to then be in a good position for the rest of the race.”

Looking ahead to having Hamilton as his teammate, Leclerc added: “With Lewis, who has achieved so much in the sport, it will be a big motivation.”

The Grand Prix wasn’t short of drama, with chaos unfolding right from the start. Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri made contact exiting Turn 1, setting the tone for a chaotic opening lap.

Moments later, Sergio Pérez’s race came to an abrupt end on lap 2 following a collision with Sauber's Valtteri Bottas, potentially marking his final outing for Red Bull.

The incident triggered a Virtual Safety Car, adding to the early unpredictability. Verstappen managed to recover and finish 6th, just behind Mercedes' George Russell in 5th, while McLaren's Oscar Piastri secured 10th. Bottas, despite continuing after the initial incident, eventually retired following a late-race collision with Haas’ Kevin Magnussen, who finished 16th.

Meanwhile, Pierre Gasly, Nico Hülkenberg, and Fernando Alonso rounded out the top ten in 7th, 8th, and 9th places, respectively.

With the dust settled in the desert of Abu Dhabi at the Yas Marina Circuit, Sir Lewis Hamilton capped his Mercedes career with a remarkable fourth-place finish, showcasing his resilience and unmatched talent.

The seven-time world champion now looks ahead to a new chapter with Ferrari in 2025, where fresh challenges and opportunities await. It was a fitting end to an unforgettable season, one that sets the stage for thrilling rivalries and narratives in the year to come.

Full Results

1. Lando Norris (McLaren), 2. Carlos Sainz (Ferrari), 3. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari), 4. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes), 5. George Russell (Mercedes), 6. Max Verstappen (Red Bull), 7. Pierre Gasly (Alpine), 8. Nico Hülkenberg (Haas), 9. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin), 10. Oscar Piastri (McLaren), 11. Alexander Albon (Williams), 12. Yuki Tsunoda (RB), 13. Zhou Guanyu (Sauber), 14. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin), 15. Jack Doohan (Alpine), 16. Kevin Magnussen (Haas), 17. Liam Lawson (RB)]

Not Classified: [Valtteri Bottas (Sauber), Franco Colapinto (Williams), Sergio Pérez (Red Bull)