In an exhilarating conclusion to the 2024 Formula 1 season at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, McLaren secured the Constructors’ Championship, capping off a remarkable year of performance and consistency. The Yas Marina Circuit once again delivered a thrilling spectacle, with standout drives, heartbreaking disappointments, and a few emotional farewells. Here’s a breakdown of the winners and losers from the race.
Winners:
McLaren: The star of the weekend, McLaren sealed the Constructors’ Championship with a near-perfect performance in Abu Dhabi. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri both put in stellar drives, securing crucial points to clinch the title. McLaren’s rise from a team in the midfield to dominating the constructors’ standings is a testament to their impressive technical development and strategic brilliance. Their ability to evolve over the season and outperform the established heavyweights made them the rightful champions.
Lando Norris: Norris was in top form all weekend, showing his maturity and skill in every session. He finished the race with a podium finish, contributing significantly to McLaren’s championship triumph. Norris has firmly cemented his status as one of the sport’s elite drivers, and his performance in Abu Dhabi was the perfect way to cap off a stellar season.
Oscar Piastri: Piastri’s rapid adaptation to Formula 1 was evident once again as he delivered a strong result, supporting his teammate Norris in the fight for the title. His steady consistency and impressive pace made him a crucial part of McLaren’s success, and his growth throughout the season is a promising sign for the future.
Max Verstappen: Despite already securing the 2024 World Championship, Verstappen showed why he is one of the most dominant forces in F1 with another commanding performance. While he didn’t win, he maintained his composure and continued to deliver a high-level drive, finishing strong and reinforcing his position as the benchmark in F1.
Losers:
Ferrari: Ferrari’s hopes of challenging McLaren for the Constructors’ Championship were dashed at Yas Marina. The team’s performance in Abu Dhabi was lackluster, with both Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz failing to finish in the top spots. Their inconsistent season was punctuated by strategic errors and mechanical issues, leading to another disappointing year. Ferrari’s inability to capitalize on opportunities left them far from where they hoped to be at the start of the season.
Alpine: After a series of underwhelming performances throughout the year, Alpine’s woes continued in Abu Dhabi. Despite showing flashes of speed, the French team struggled with reliability and strategy, leaving them outside of the points in a race where they needed a solid result to salvage their season. Alpine’s ongoing struggles point to deeper issues within the team that need addressing ahead of the 2025 season.
Sebastian Vettel: In an emotional farewell, Sebastian Vettel bowed out of Formula 1 after a distinguished career. Although his final race wasn’t a standout performance, Vettel’s legacy in the sport is undeniable. He may have finished lower down the grid, but the respect and admiration from fans and fellow drivers were evident as the sport bid goodbye to one of its greatest champions.
The 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was a fitting end to a dramatic season. With McLaren’s triumph, Verstappen’s dominance, and heartfelt farewells, the race reminded fans why Formula 1 is always full of surprises. Looking ahead, teams will now shift focus to next year, eager to build on their successes and learn from their failures.
Leave a Reply