Formula 1 Abu Dhabi: Lando Norris wins, McLaren claims constructors’ championship

It was a day of celebration for Oscar Piastri’s McLaren team, however they were short-lived thanks to the world champion Max Verstappen, who apologised to Piastri post-race.

Max Verstappen apologised to Australian Formula One star Oscar Piastri after ruining his McLaren celebrations.

McLaren closed out the longest and one of the most dramatic Formula One seasons in recent memory the way they hoped, sealing their first constructors’ championship in over a quarter of a century while sending a stern warning to Red Bull rival Verstappen ahead of 2025.

Lando Norris got the job done for the papaya team when he led the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix from start to finish to clinch the team title for McLaren ahead of Ferrari, who finished second and third through Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc.

Rookie of the year in 2023, Piastri recovered to finish 10th to contribute another point to McLaren’s winning total after his race was ruined when Verstappen rammed him at the start.

Australian driver Oscar Piastri was spun off the track after a collision with Max Verstappen

The Dutchman was given a 10-second stop go penalty by stewards for his wild lunge at the first corner that spun Piastri off the track and drew a sarcastic rebuke from the Aussie, who told his engineers over the radio: ‘Yep, move of a world champion that one.”

While the crash wiped out Piastri’s chances of winning the race, he still finished fourth in the driver’s championship and got to share in McLaren’s first constructors’ title since 1998, three years before he was born.

“It was a pretty miserable race but the biggest thing today was we clinched the championship,” said Piastri, who was spotted talking to Hollywood star Brad Pitt on the grid before the lights went out.

“It’s a massive credit to everyone at McLaren for what they have achieved this year. Couldn’t be prouder of them all.”

In clinching the constructors’ championship, McLaren earned an estimated $273 million bonus, ensuring their two drivers each pocket some handsome bonuses.

The 23-year-old became just the fourth Australian driver to be part of a championship winning team, joining Jack Brabham (1959, 1960, 1966, 1967), Alan Jones (1980, 1981) and Mark Webber (2010, 2011, 2012, 2013).

US actor Brad Pitt spoke with Oscar Piastri before the start of the Abu Dhabi Formula One Grand Prix

“Very, very happy with the year’s work. Nice to seal the deal,” Piastri said.

“ (Verstappen) came and apologised straight away and the stewards deemed it was a penalty.

“We go again next year. Obviously it was a tough race from then on, but again, we achieved our main target and that’s what matters.”

Verstappen, who revealed he will become a father next year, admitted the crash was his fault but maintained it was accidental.

“I already apologised to Oscar, it’s not what you want to happen, and especially not with him, he’s a great guy. It happened, it’s just a bit unfortunate,“ the four-time world champion said.

“I don’t want to talk about it. I’m just happy that the season is over. For me, the most important thing that I had to do is just apologise to Oscar. Because I had nothing to gain, nothing to lose. I went for it. It didn’t work out and we both spun.

“It’s not nice. He’s a friend of mine, so I don’t want to have any weird feelings or whatever going into the break.“

The accident between Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri from Max Verstappen's on-board camera.#F1#Formula1#AbuDhabiGPpic.twitter.com/aZGTHunVm3

— Extreme Cars (@extremecars__) December 8, 2024

Piastri’s race aside, the champagne was flowing freely in the McLaren garage with Norris, who finished runner-up to Verstappen in the drivers’ title, saying he was going to party like there was no tomorrow with team boss Zac Brown but with an eye already on the 2025 season.

“It feels incredible, not for myself but for the whole team, they’ve done an amazing job this year to come from where we were at the beginning. I am so proud of everyone, it’s been a lovely journey and to end the season like this is perfect,” Norris said.

“Me and Zak already said we are going to get absolutely hammered tonight so I’m excited, we are going to celebrate, this is a historic moment for the team.

“It’s my goal and our goal to win a drivers’ (title) next year, I’ve made my mistakes this year but I’ve learnt a lot and I’ve learnt a lot from Max and my competitors around me so as much as I’m happy now, I’m excited to get next year going.”

Lando Norris celebrates his race win.

The 2025 season will kick off in just 98 days with the Australian Grand Prix in Melbourne.

Australia will have two drivers on the grid in 2025: Piastri and Jack Doohan, the son of motorcycling legend Mick.

Jack Doohan made his F1 debut for Alpine in Abu Dhabi, finishing 15th.

“It was great. It definitely was tough. You think you’re ready, and then that comes and I’m just super happy with the whole experience,” Doohan said.

“I was learning honestly every lap and just so much valuable experience that I’ll be able to take ahead for next season.

“I haven’t raced in over a year so it’s great to be back racing. A lot of learning to do on my side as well. I tried to do as best as possible to assist the team. I’m just very thankful for the whole team for the opportunity.”

Originally published as Formula 1 Abu Dhabi: Lando Norris wins, McLaren claims constructors’ championship