The race, held at the Yas Marina Circuit, was marked by a dramatic opening as champion Max Verstappen collided with Oscar Piastri’s McLaren at the first corner. This incident sent both cars into a spin, placing Piastri at the back of the field and leaving McLaren’s championship hopes squarely on Norris’s shoulders.
Despite the early chaos, Norris maintained his composure. Communicating his excitement to his team over the radio, he exclaimed, “Incredible, well done everyone, so proud of you all. You all deserve this.” Norris, who secured second place in the drivers’ standings behind Verstappen, expressed his optimism for the future by stating, “It’s been a special year. Next year’s going to be my year too.”
Norris displayed strategic prowess, holding off Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz Jr., who finished in second place. Charles Leclerc showcased an impressive performance by climbing to third from 19th on the grid. Meanwhile, seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton finished fourth in his final race for Mercedes, overtaking his teammate George Russell on the last lap.
The notable performances continued with Russell finishing fifth, followed by Verstappen in sixth. Pierre Gasly came in seventh for Alpine. Nico Hulkenberg, in his final race for Haas before joining Sauber in 2025, secured the eighth position. Fernando Alonso took ninth place for Aston Martin, while Oscar Piastri managed a remarkable recovery to finish tenth despite the early collision.
Lando Norris’s triumph in the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix not only marked a significant personal achievement but also rejuvenated McLaren’s legacy with their constructors’ championship win. The race underscored the high stakes and thrilling dynamics of Formula 1 competition, leaving fans eager for the next season.
