McLaren Clinches First F1 Constructors' Title in 26 Years at Abu Dhabi

When McLaren Racing celebrated clinching the 2024 Constructors' Championship, the scene was dominated by driver Lando Norris and his teammate Oscar Piastri at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand PrixYas Marina Circuit. The Papaya‑colored squad secured 666 points, edging out Ferrari by just 14, while Red Bull Racing settled for third. Team chief Zak Brown later described the final two hours as the "worst" of his life, but the relief was unmistakable.

Season Overview: From Back‑Marker to Title Contender

The 2024 calendar stretched to a record‑breaking 24 Grands Prix, marking the 75th anniversary of the World Championship. McLaren started the year battling at the back of the grid, a stark contrast to their 2023 testing woes in Bahrain. Yet the MCL38, a sleek, aerodynamic marvel, began delivering points from the second race onward. By mid‑season, the team had amassed six victories and 21 podiums, a pace that forced the traditional powerhouses to scramble.

Key Races and Driver Performances

June’s Miami Grand Prix delivered Norris his long‑awaited maiden win, silencing critics still haunted by his near‑miss in Sochi 2021. He followed that triumph with victories at Zandvoort, Singapore, and the climactic Abu Dhabi race, each win showcasing his growing mastery of tyre management and wet‑weather tactics. Piastri, meanwhile, turned heads in his sophomore season. His first win in Hungary displayed sheer speed, but it was the daring overtake in Baku that cemented his reputation. He fended off Charles Leclerc for third place, sealing a double‑win weekend for the Australians.

Team Strategy and Technical Advances

Behind the scenes, McLaren’s engineering department introduced a revised floor design in early spring, shaving off three tenths of a second per lap. The upgrade dovetailed with a new power unit partnership that, while still branded Honda RBPT, offered a more flexible fuel mapping strategy. These tweaks allowed Norris and Piastri to push harder during qualifying, often locking out the front row.

Reactions from Team and Drivers

In post‑race interviews, Brown admitted the pressure was "unreal," yet he praised the crew’s resilience. "We switched from last‑place testing to first‑place celebrations in less than a year," he said, his voice shaking with emotion. Norris thanked the entire "Papaya family," noting that the victory felt like "a collective triumph". Piastri, still dripping with adrenaline, emphasized the teamwork: "Every engineer, every mechanic, every kid in the paddock who believed in us—this is for them."

What This Means for Formula 1

McLaren becoming the first non‑Red Bull, non‑Mercedes champion since Brawn GP in 2009 reshapes the sport’s power dynamics. The win proves that a well‑executed technical roadmap can overturn a decade of dominance. For Ferrari, the narrow loss forces a reevaluation of their chassis development, especially as they aim to rebound in 2025. Red Bull, despite a comfortable points cushion, now faces a genuine challenger capable of stealing victories on both street circuits and traditional tracks.

Looking Ahead to 2025

The offseason will be a whirlwind. McLaren plans to introduce a hybrid‑enhanced chassis for 2025, targeting a 0.2‑second improvement per lap. Meanwhile, Verstappen, fresh off his fourth Drivers' title, hinted at a possible switch to a new engine supplier, a move that could further destabilise the hierarchy. Fans can expect a tighter championship battle, with at least three teams now in realistic contention.

Key Facts

• McLaren finished with 666 points, beating Ferrari’s 652.
• Lando Norris secured four wins, including Abu Dhabi.
• Oscar Piastri claimed victories in Hungary and Azerbaijan.
• The MCL38’s floor upgrade contributed a 0.3‑second per lap gain.
• This is McLaren’s first Constructors' title since 1998.