Photo: Race Pictures

Norris doesn't crack under pressure as title takes McLaren way in Abu Dhabi

09:04, 01 Dec

byTobia Elia

Let’s relive the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix as we build up to this weekend’s three-way title showdown.

McLaren and Ferrari are the standout teams in the Abu Dhabi finale, with both in contention to celebrate a Constructors’ Championship for the first time in years.

At the start, Lando Norris bursts ahead of his teammate, with Max Verstappen and Carlos Sainz close behind. Drama strikes immediately as the Dutchman and the Australian collide in Turn 1, leaving both now playing catch-up.

Charles Leclerc, meanwhile, makes a flying start from the back of the grid following his penalties, blasting into the top ten by the end of the opening lap thanks to a lightning-quick launch and several overtakes.

McLaren wins the constructors' in Abu Dhabi in 2024 - Photo: Race Pictures

The Monegasque continues to make his way through the field lap by lap, eventually moving onto the podium behind Norris and Sainz after the pit stops, with the trio keeping a close eye on each other.

Ferrari needed Sainz to get past Norris to keep their title hopes alive, especially given Piastri’s struggle to climb back into the points — a task he finally completes, moving into tenth in the closing laps. The race unfolds like this to the checkered flag, with Norris taking victory in the season finale and delivering the championship to McLaren, while Ferrari must settle for a double podium finish.

It’s also a standout performance from Lewis Hamilton, who, in his final race for Mercedes, started from the back and fought his way up to fourth, overtaking his teammate on the final lap.

What time does the 2025 Abu Dhabi GP start?

This year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix promises just as many fireworks, with the Drivers’ Championship up for grabs in a three-way battle — a scenario we haven’t seen since 2010, when four drivers were still in contention.

Yas Marina has served as the stage for the season finale for the past fifteen years, producing some of the most unforgettable moments in recent F1 history — from Verstappen’s dramatic win over Lewis Hamilton in 2021 to McLaren’s last-minute snatch of the Constructors’ Championship just last year.

Here’s the full schedule for the season finale.

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