McLaren enters the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix finale with a renewed chance at the Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship title, boosted by strong performances during the season and critical moments of advantage in recent races. Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have consistently delivered, putting McLaren 21 points ahead of Ferrari in the standings. Ferrari, led by Charles Leclerc, faces an uphill battle to bridge this gap. Leclerc’s 10-place grid penalty for exceeding energy storage limits further complicates their task, making a 1-2 finish essential for Ferrari to clinch the title.
While Yas Marina Circuit offers characteristics favorable to Ferrari’s car setup, their reliability issues and recent performance inconsistencies present significant hurdles. Meanwhile, McLaren’s solid pace, demonstrated by Norris topping Practice Two, underscores their readiness to capitalize on Ferrari’s challenges.
This finale marks a pivotal moment for McLaren, who are on the cusp of ending a 26-year title drought. For Ferrari, the race offers a last chance to salvage their championship aspirations in a season marked by fluctuating fortunes. With both teams showing resilience and determination, the Abu Dhabi GP promises an electrifying conclusion to the 2024 F1 season, highlighting the intense rivalry between two iconic teams.
