Lando Norris secured McLaren’s first Formula 1 constructors’ championship in 26 years with a commanding victory at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.
The 25-year-old Briton led from start to finish at the Yas Marina Circuit, holding off Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc to clinch the historic title.
McLaren, whose last constructors’ crown came in 1998 with Mika Hakkinen and David Coulthard, finished 14 points clear of Ferrari in the final standings.
It was Norris’s fourth win of the season, capping off a remarkable year that also saw him secure second place in the drivers’ championship behind Max Verstappen.
Lando Norris claimed a commanding win at the Abu Dhabi GP
Reuters
The victory marked a triumphant end to McLaren’s long wait for team success, following years of restructuring and development.
Drama unfolded at the first corner when world champion Max Verstappen collided with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri, who had started from second on the grid.
The incident sent Piastri spinning to the back of the field, dealing an early blow to McLaren’s title hopes.
Verstappen was handed a 10-second penalty for causing the collision, which ultimately saw him finish sixth.
Piastri’s day went from bad to worse when he later received his own penalty for hitting Franco Colapinto’s Williams.
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The Australian fought back through the field but could only manage 10th place, leaving teammate Norris to shoulder the responsibility of securing the constructors’ title.
Despite the early setback, McLaren’s strong pace meant Norris was able to maintain control at the front of the race.
Ferrari’s challenge remained strong throughout the race, with Carlos Sainz securing second place and Charles Leclerc producing a stunning drive to claim third.
Leclerc’s performance was particularly impressive, climbing from 19th on the grid with a remarkable first lap that saw him gain 11 positions.
Lando Norris was in hot form to claim victory
Reuters
The Monegasque driver continued his charge through the field, overtaking multiple cars including the Haas duo and Fernando Alonso’s Aston Martin.
In the final stages, Leclerc asked his team radio if their current positions would be enough to win the constructors’ title, showing how close the battle remained.
However, Norris’s controlled drive at the front, finishing six seconds ahead of Sainz, ensured McLaren’s victory was never truly threatened.
The Ferrari pair’s podium finishes weren’t enough to overcome McLaren’s points advantage in the championship battle.
Lando Norris’ win saw McLaren win the constructors’ title
Reuters
Lewis Hamilton marked his final race for Mercedes with a strong fourth-place finish, charging through the field from 16th on the grid.
The seven-time world champion made a late overtake on teammate George Russell with just six corners remaining in the race.
After crossing the finish line, Hamilton performed celebratory doughnuts on the pit straight before taking a moment to reflect with his car.
Norris was jubilant after securing the historic victory, declaring over team radio: “Next year’s going to be my year, too.”
World champion Max Verstappen was handed a 10-second penalty
Reuters
The McLaren driver’s success marks a remarkable turnaround for the team under the leadership of CEO Zak Brown and team principal Andrea Stella.
Hamilton took time to congratulate Norris and McLaren F1 boss Brown, while also consoling the Ferrari drivers after the race.
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