Norris Triumphs in Abu Dhabi as McLaren Secures Constructors' Championship; Hamilton Finishes 4th in Emotional Farewell with Mercedes
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Abu Dhabi, Dec 8 (NationPress) Lando Norris has spectacularly concluded the 2024 season by claiming victory in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, showcasing a commanding performance that propelled McLaren to their first constructors' championship since 1998.
Starting from pole position, Norris had a strong beginning amidst chaos in the background, with Oscar Piastri and Max Verstappen clashing in a fight for second place, resulting in a penalty for Verstappen and a drop in position for Piastri. The Australian faced additional challenges, receiving his own penalty for a collision with Franco Colapinto's Williams.
As various battles unfolded throughout the field, including a solid effort from McLaren's competitors, Ferrari, Norris maintained his composure at the front to seize victory, finishing five seconds ahead of his former teammate Carlos Sainz, thereby securing the constructors' title for the papaya team.
Charles Leclerc delivered a remarkable performance for Ferrari, climbing from P19 on the grid to finish third. Behind him, a thrilling duel developed between Mercedes teammates George Russell and Lewis Hamilton, with the seven-time world champion snatching fourth place in the final moments, marking an emotional conclusion to his journey with the team.
Verstappen managed to recover to sixth place following his earlier penalty, while Pierre Gasly finished seventh, allowing Alpine to secure sixth in the constructors' standings. Nico Hulkenberg finished eighth for Haas, followed by Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin in ninth. Piastri's recovery drive concluded with a tenth-place finish, a disappointing result for the Australian despite his team's triumph.
Alex Albon and Yuki Tsunoda finished just outside the points in P11 and P12, respectively. Zhou Guanyu concluded his final race for Kick Sauber in P13, ahead of Lance Stroll's Aston Martin in P14. Jack Doohan's debut with Alpine resulted in a P15 finish as he prepares for his first full season next year.
Kevin Magnussen was the last classified finisher for Haas in 16th place, not the farewell he may have desired. Liam Lawson's season ended dramatically as he was forced to retire his smoking RB from the track in the closing laps.
Valtteri Bottas's time with Kick Sauber ended prematurely due to an early retirement from a puncture, mirroring the fate of Colapinto, who exited the race on Lap 26.
The final retiree was Sergio Perez, who spun on Lap 1 after colliding with Bottas, leading to a DNF amidst ongoing speculation about his future in the sport.
