Lando Norris has often faced criticism, attacks, and even ridicule. Many have suggested he see a psychologist, as if it were an insult, accusing him of not being able to match up to Max Verstappen. But his straightforward and honest response silenced the insinuations: “I race with fairness and face duels with honesty.” Clear words, directed at anyone willing to understand his approach to competition.
At Yas Marina, Norris delivered a performance of extraordinary talent, creating a true masterpiece. Already a standout in free practice, he shone in qualifying by securing pole position and ended with a dominant and undeniable victory in the Grand Prix at the wheel of his McLaren-Mercedes. It was a flawless performance, with no mistakes or lapses in concentration, even as he carried the weight of the Constructors' Championship battle from the very first meters of the race.
The situation grew complicated immediately after the start. Oscar Piastri, starting alongside Norris on the front row with the other McLaren, was hit by none other than Max Verstappen. “This is the world champion’s style,” commented a stunned Piastri over the radio, finding himself at the back of the pack. For McLaren, losing one of their key drivers so early was a heavy blow. To make matters worse, Ferrari was right there: Carlos Sainz behind Norris and a blazing Charles Leclerc, who pulled off an incredible comeback from 19th on the grid to finish on the podium in third place.
Ferrari, in fact, was ready to capitalize on any mistake Norris might have made. But he never faltered. His McLaren MCL38 performed perfectly, and Lando managed all 58 laps with unprecedented composure and clarity. Winning the Constructors' Championship, with a 14-point lead over Ferrari, was the result of a long and meticulous effort that began some time ago. Key to this success was team principal Andrea Stella, who reorganized the team after his promotion to the role two years ago. Stella, already respected for his technical skills, improved operational efficiency, refined trackside organization, and instilled a new winning mentality, working in perfect harmony with CEO Zak Brown.
Equally crucial was the contribution of engineers Rob Marshall, formerly of Red Bull, and Neil Houldey, who developed a car that grew consistently to become the most competitive on the grid starting in the spring. Completing the picture were the extraordinary performances of the drivers: Norris, runner-up in the championship with four wins, and Piastri, in his second year in Formula 1, finishing fourth overall with two victories and a season to remember. The two McLaren drivers were the only ones in 2024 to finish every race in the points, making a decisive contribution to the title that McLaren had not won since 1998.
On the other side, Sainz and Leclerc did everything they could. Despite the Spaniard’s effort, finishing second in his final race for Ferrari, the McLaren was simply too fast. Leclerc showed tremendous determination with his stunning comeback, and Ferrari ended a season that was nonetheless positive, demonstrating a strong ability to react during difficult moments. In the end, those 14 points sting, but they highlight the high level achieved.
Mercedes also had their moment of glory with an impressive comeback from Lewis Hamilton, who started 16th and finished fourth, passing teammate George Russell on the final lap. Thanks to a different strategy, with medium tires fitted at the end, Hamilton showcased the speed of a true champion, earning praise over the radio from team principal Toto Wolff. The Yas Marina race marked his final appearance with Mercedes, the team with which he won six world titles, before embarking on his new adventure with Ferrari.
It was a different story for Red Bull. Despite his four world titles, Max Verstappen delivered a disappointing spectacle, involved in an avoidable contact with Piastri and lashing out at race stewards, whom he called “idiots” for the penalty he received. It seems Verstappen, more than Norris, might need to reflect on his behavior. Sergio Perez, on the other hand, retired early due to a collision with Valtteri Bottas.
Among the other teams, Alpine-Renault stood out by securing sixth place in the Constructors' Championship thanks to an outstanding race from Pierre Gasly, who finished seventh. In the first part of the race, the Frenchman was even in third place, exceeding expectations and finishing ahead of the Haas-Ferrari of Nico Hulkenberg. Jack Doohan’s debut in Formula 1 was far less impressive, as he remained at the back of the field for the entire race.
Finally, Fernando Alonso brought home two valuable points for Aston Martin, which finished fourth in the Constructors' standings. It was an intense season, full of emotions and twists, one that crowned McLaren as champions and laid the groundwork for a thrilling new rivalry in Formula 1.
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