McLaren has dethroned the Red Bulls in 2024 with a win from Lando Norris in the 2024 Formula 1 season finale at Yas Marina for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. McLaren rose like a phoenix in 2024 after a disappointing 2023 season that saw them finish outside of the big three in P4. The battle with Red Bull was over before the final round of the season. Given Sergio Perez’s lack of form for the majority of the 2024 season. It was a battle between Ferrari and McLaren heading into the final race of the season. McLaren came into the weekend with a 21 point advantage and Ferrari needed to make some magic happen in order to have a chance at the constructors title.
Ultimately Ferrari fell short by 14 points. McLaren’s Norris elated by the accomplishment said “It feels incredible, not for myself but for the whole team. The team have done an amazing job this year to come from where we were at the beginning. I’m so proud of everyone – it’s been a lovely journey, and to end the season like this is perfect, so just a congrats and big thank you to everyone in McLaren, everyone in papaya, everyone who supported us this year because it’s been a tough one. For us to win a constructors’ after 26 years is pretty special.”
Leclerc said, “Even though the race itself was incredible, we fell short of our main objective of winning the constructors’ title, so the disappointment is there today.
The first lap was really strong, I managed to make up 11 positions going from P19 to P8. The whole first stint was good, but it was a bit tricky to overtake because there was a train of DRS ahead. We managed to make it through and preserved our tires well, so I am very happy with the way we manage our race. There was nothing we could have done better.
Speaking about Carlos, it has been incredible to share team with him for four seasons. We pushed each other to new heights and moved the team positively, always keeping respect for each other. That we are here today, missing our on the world title by 14 points, is also thanks to his contribution. I wish him all the best and look forward to seeing what he will do in the future.
Looking at next year, I hope that we can start the season off with a really strong car. This is probably where we missed our this year, coming back strong in the second half of the season which is where we made a big impact thanks to the incredible work of everyone back in our factory who created the upgrades which let us perform the way we have. This gives me confidence for the future and I really look forward to being back on track in 2025. A big thank you to the whole team that has made this season possible.”
While not an official concession, Leclerc is clearly disappointed with the team’s finish. next year he will line up along side Lewis Hamilton as Ferrari shifts its focus to their 2025 program.