Sun Dec 08 18:42:18 UTC 2024: ## McLaren Claims First Constructors’ Championship in 26 Years at Dramatic Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
**Abu Dhabi, UAE** – Lando Norris secured a stunning victory at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix on Sunday, delivering McLaren their first constructors’ championship title in 26 years. The race, a thrilling spectacle filled with incidents, penalties, and emotional moments, saw Norris finish 5.832 seconds ahead of Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc.
The victory was even more dramatic given a chaotic start. A first-corner collision between McLaren’s Oscar Piastri and Red Bull’s Max Verstappen, resulting in a 10-second penalty for Verstappen, opened the door for Ferrari’s late charge. Leclerc, starting 19th, made a remarkable climb through the field.
Despite Piastri’s early setback and subsequent penalty, Norris maintained composure throughout the race, expertly managing his lead. He held off a determined Sainz and Leclerc, ultimately securing a well-deserved win and the championship for McLaren.
Lewis Hamilton, in his final race for Mercedes, delivered a remarkable performance, finishing fourth after an exciting late-race battle with his teammate George Russell. The race also saw several other incidents, including a collision between Bottas and Magnussen, further adding to the unpredictable nature of the event.
Verstappen, despite his penalty, finished sixth, ending a season in which he secured his fourth world championship. The win marks a significant achievement for McLaren, ending a long championship drought and capping off a memorable season for the team. Norris expressed his pride in his team, stating, “Papaya on top! Congrats to everyone. Incredible. So proud of you all. You all deserve this.” He also confidently declared, “Next year is going to be my year too.”
First Piper 