#F1AbuDhabi

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McLaren Secures Constructors` Title as Ferrari Falls Short

The 2024 Formula 1 season concluded with a thrilling Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, where McLaren secured their first constructors' title since 1998. Lando Norris played a crucial role, leading the race from start to finish and claiming the victory that sealed the championship for his team.

Ferrari, despite a valiant effort, narrowly missed out on the title. Charles Leclerc, who started 19th on the grid due to a 10-place penalty, made a remarkable recovery to finish third. His teammate, Carlos Sainz, took second place, but the combined 33 points from their double podium were not enough to overcome the 21-point deficit to McLaren.

Leclerc reflected on the race, `I knew that on Lap 1 I had to take all the risk possible to gain as many places as possible, to then be in a good position for the rest of the race. This was achieved but unfortunately we were just starting too far back to do anything better than what we've done today.`

Sainz also expressed his disappointment but pride in their season, `Obviously a bit of a bittersweet feeling... P2 I think was the maximum we could do today given the pace of Lando in the McLaren. I gave it everything, especially the first stint – it looked like we could hang onto them, then as soon as we put the hard tyres [on], they just seemed to be that one or two-tenths quicker per lap like we've seen all weekend.`

The race also marked the final outing for Lewis Hamilton with Mercedes, as he finished fourth, passing George Russell on the last lap. Max Verstappen settled for sixth after a chaotic opening lap that saw him clash with Oscar Piastri, who finished tenth.

Top Performers:
- Lando Norris (McLaren) - 1st
- Carlos Sainz (Ferrari) - 2nd
- Charles Leclerc (Ferrari) - 3rd
- Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes) - 4th
- Max Verstappen (Red Bull) - 6th

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