Norris Wins Abu Dhabi GP, Ends McLaren’s 26-Year Wait

Lando Norris delivered an exceptional performance at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, claiming victory in a race marked by incidents, penalties, and emotional moments. His triumph ended McLaren’s 26-year wait for a constructors’ championship, a feat last achieved in 1998. The win also overshadowed a challenging race for other drivers, including Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton, who finished fourth in his final race for Mercedes.

Key Highlights

McLaren’s Historic Victory

Constructors’ Title : McLaren’s first since 1998, ending a 26-year drought.

Norris’ Performance : Finished 5.832 seconds ahead of Carlos Sainz.

• Managed intense pressure to maintain the lead.

Oscar Piastri : Spun out at Turn One after contact with Max Verstappen.

• Recovered to finish 10th despite a 10-second penalty.

Race Dynamics

Incidents : Early clash between Verstappen and Piastri, causing both to spin.

• Verstappen received a 10-second penalty for the incident.

Multiple retirements, including Valtteri Bottas and Sergio Perez.

Driver Highlights

Carlos Sainz & Charles Leclerc

• Secured second and third for Ferrari.
• Leclerc started 19th and climbed to third in a remarkable drive.

Lewis Hamilton

• Finished fourth, passing teammate George Russell on the final lap.
• Started 16th on hard tires and executed a strong comeback.

Max Verstappen

• Finished sixth after penalties and sarcastic complaints over the radio.
• Criticized by Piastri for his aggressive move.

Memorable Moments of Race

• “Papaya on Top!”: Norris celebrated McLaren’s victory with pride.
• “Lewis, It’s Hammer Time”: Hamilton’s final push in his last race for Mercedes.
• Penalties Galore: Multiple drivers, including Piastri, Bottas, and Verstappen, were penalized for incidents.