McLaren ended a 26-year drought in stunning fashion at the Abu Dhabi GP on Sunday, claiming the Constructors’ Championship and reaffirming its storied legacy in Formula 1. The victory was sealed with Lando Norris’ commanding win, beating Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc to the top of the podium. This marks McLaren’s ninth Constructors’ title and their first since 1998 when Mika Hakkinen and David Coulthard were at the wheel.
A Historic Abu Dhabi GP Win Marks Constructors’ Glory
The road to this moment was far from smooth. The season finale began with a scare as rookie Oscar Piastri collided with Max Verstappen at the first corner, leading to penalties for both drivers. Piastri’s subsequent 10-second penalty for a clash with Franco Colapinto further dampened his race, resulting in an 11th-place finish. Yet, Norris delivered a flawless performance, ensuring McLaren held onto the championship by a 14-point margin over Ferrari.
McLaren’s resurgence can be traced back to a pivotal upgrade at the Miami Grand Prix, which catapulted the team into title contention. The upgrade reinvigorated their season, with Norris emerging as a consistent podium threat. McLaren took control of the championship standings at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, ending Red Bull’s 55-race dominance. Ferrari mounted a late-season challenge, but McLaren’s mid-season momentum proved insurmountable.
This Constructors’ Championship is more than just a title for McLaren—it is a statement of their enduring prowess. The team now ties Williams with nine championships, second only to Ferrari’s 16. With Norris emerging as one of the sport’s top talents and Piastri showing flashes of brilliance, McLaren’s future looks as promising as its storied past. The Abu Dhabi GP was not just a race; it was a celebration of perseverance, innovation, and the unyielding spirit of competition.
