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.

Summary/Static	Details
Why in the news?	Lando Norris wins dramatic Abu Dhabi GP to deliver McLaren first constructors’ title in 26 years
Winner	Lando Norris
Team	McLaren
Constructors’ Title	McLaren’s first since 1998.
Top Finishers	1st: Lando Norris (McLaren), 2nd: Carlos Sainz (Ferrari),  3rd: Charles Leclerc (Ferrari).
Lewis Hamilton	Finished 4th in the final race for Mercedes after starting 16th.