McLaren has 21 points to defend
For the first time in three years, the final weekend in Abu Dhabi will still have at least one of the two titles up for grabs in Formula 1. In 2021, Yas Marina was the stage for the unforgettable finale between Max Verstappen and Lewis Hamilton. This year, the contenders are McLaren and Ferrari, battling for the Constructors’ Championship. The Woking team holds a 21-point lead over Maranello—a solid advantage, but not enough to guarantee peace of mind.
Team principal Andrea Stella emphasized that it is already a dream for the papaya team to be in the fight, and it is remarkable to arrive at Yas Marina as favorites. “After a long but rewarding season, we now head to Abu Dhabi for the final race of 2024,” said Stella. “I am incredibly proud of every single member of the team for their hard work and dedication at McLaren, which has put the team in a position to fight for the Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship—something unthinkable just 12 months ago. I know Lando and Oscar will give it their all, and both have had a fantastic season. We are determined to finish the job as a team. It won’t be easy, but we will give it our maximum effort.”
“It has definitely been a season I will never forget, from my first win in Miami to the battle for the Drivers’ title,” said Lando Norris. “The entire team has done an incredible job to give us a car that has been really fun to drive this season, and I want to thank everyone for that. Abu Dhabi is always a fantastic place to end the season. Now we have to finish the job.”
Oscar Piastri also acknowledged that the title is far from guaranteed. “It’s great to come to Abu Dhabi after a podium, but now the focus is entirely on the Constructors’ Championship. We are leading the standings, but everything can change in an instant, so we need to be at our best and ready,” he said.
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