Heading into the final race, McLaren had all the advantage to win the Constructors’ Championship. The opening lap of the race favoured the Ferrari drivers, but Norris was luckily able to hold on to the race lead. This eventually helped McLaren win the championship.
McLaren has won the Constructors’ Championship for the first time since 1998. This entire season has been a rollercoaster for all the teams in F1. While Red Bull looked to be the favourites at the beginning of the season, McLaren and Ferrari made a comeback after the first 5 races.
Lando Norris saves McLaren after disastrous start for Piastri
The McLaren drivers started the race from a front-row lockout with Norris on pole. While the team could not have wished for a better starting position, things started to crumble for Piastri as he collided with Verstappen at the first corner off the start.
MCLAREN ARE YOUR 2024 CONSTRUCTOR CHAMPIONS!
They last won the Constructors’ Championship in 1998 🏆#F1 #AbuDhabiGP pic.twitter.com/H8NUfgrSDX
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) December 8, 2024
But thanks to Norris leading throughout the race, McLaren was able to score enough points to clinch the title. If Norris had lost the lead or suffered a DNF, there is no doubt that Ferrari would have taken the title, especially given Charles Leclerc’s incredible start despite starting last.
Lando Norris controlled the entire race from the start. Despite the tremendous amount of pressure on him to hold position, he delivered and finished over 5 seconds ahead of Sainz. But credit to Ferrari, they put up an incredible challenge despite poor starting positions.
Can McLaren continue to compete for the Championship in 2025?
Given how this season has played out, anything is possible for 2025. But one thing is for sure, McLaren will most definitely be aiming to win it all again next year. But it will not be easy.
Lewis Hamilton in his final radio message as Mercedes driver:
“The pleasure’s been mine. Yea Bono, we dreamed alone, but together we believed. And as a team, we achieved things that…
“Thank you for all the courage, the determination, the passion, and for seeing me and… pic.twitter.com/ZK4IhSGwaa
— Fastest Pitstop (@FastestPitStop) December 8, 2024
Based on this season’s performances, we can expect Ferrari and Red Bull to be competing for the Championship as well. Ferrari will have one of, if not THE strongest lineups in 2025 with Lewis Hamilton and Charles Leclerc.
But McLaren also has a strong lineup with Norris and Piastri. Next year, there is no doubt that both Norris and Piastri will be gunning for the Drivers’ Championship as well. While we cannot predict who will come out on top in 2025, one thing is for sure, its going to be a very exciting season.
