Lando Norris led the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix from start to finish on Sunday, ending McLaren’s 26-year wait for a Formula 1 constructors’ title.
The British driver delivered a stellar performance after his Australian teammate Oscar Piastri tangled with Red Bull’s quadruple world champion Max Verstappen at the first corner, dropping to the back of the field. Despite the setback, Piastri fought back to finish 10th, while Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc secured second and third places respectively.
“You all deserve this. Thank you so much. It’s been a special year,” Norris exclaimed over the team radio after crossing the finish line for his fourth win of the season. “Next year is going to be my year too.”
The combined points from Norris and Piastri left McLaren 14 points clear of Ferrari, crowning them champions for the first time since 1998. Norris also finished the season as the overall runner-up in the drivers’ championship.
Chinese driver Zhou Guanyu of Kick Sauber came in 13th in his final race of the season. Zhou will part ways with the team, marking the end of his tenure as he looks ahead to new opportunities in Formula 1.
Seven-time world champion Lewis Hamilton finished fourth in his last race for Mercedes. Starting from 16th on the grid, Hamilton showcased his skill by overtaking teammate George Russell on the 58th and final lap. The British driver is set to join Ferrari next season, adding excitement for fans anticipating his new chapter.
“Lewis, that was the drive of a world champion,” said Mercedes team principal Toto Wolff, taking solace in McLaren’s victory with the German manufacturer’s engines.
Hamilton closed a 14-second gap to Russell with 15 laps remaining and made the decisive pass six corners from the end. Russell acknowledged his teammate’s efforts, offering applause at the finish line. The 39-year-old Hamilton then treated the crowd to tyre-smoking spins, bidding farewell to the most successful driver-team partnership in F1 history.
“What started as a leap of faith turned into a journey into the history books,” Hamilton reflected over the team radio.
Max Verstappen, who secured his fourth successive drivers’ title in Las Vegas last month, finished sixth after receiving a 10-second penalty for the collision with Piastri.
Pierre Gasly took seventh for Alpine, who won their mid-table battle to finish sixth overall in the standings. Nico Hulkenberg was eighth for Haas, and Fernando Alonso ninth for Aston Martin.
McLaren made history by becoming the first team in the current engine era to win the title as a customer rather than a factory team. Their victory marks a significant moment in Formula 1, ending a two-decade-long quest for championship glory.
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Lando Norris wins in Abu Dhabi as McLaren end Formula 1 title drought
cgtn.com
