McLaren have finally ended their 26 wait to win a Constructors’ Championship after a dramatic 2024 season finale.
The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was never going to be straightforward for McLaren despite having a 21-point lead over nearest rivals Ferrari going into the race.
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri lined up on the front row of the grid after a brilliant qualifying session on Saturday.
Piastri survived a track limits violation to reach Q3 and start second, but he lost that position very quickly.
Max Verstappen took the Australian out and Piastri received an apology from Verstappen for his action as he picked up a ten-second penalty.
The 23-year-old joined Verstappen with a penalty as he crashed into the back of Franco Colapinto following the end of a virtual safety car, and after a difficult race, he managed to squeeze into the points and record a top-10 finish.
Piastri set a record by completing every lap this season – something only three other drivers have done before him – but will know he’s not been consistent enough during the second half of this season.
Speaking on Sky Sports (8/12 3:07 pm), former world champion Nico Rosberg explained what he liked about Piastri and where he might have the upper hand on Norris.
Nico Rosberg thinks Oscar Piastri is a ‘little bit more solid’ than Lando Norris
After the race, Rosberg suggested Norris is his favourite for the 2025 title, but was quick to talk up Piastri’s chances as well.
Talking about both McLaren drivers, Rosberg said: “In summary, Lando has that little bit more pure speed, we’ve seen that again this weekend in qualifying.
READ MORE: McLaren driver Oscar Piastri’s life outside F1 from height to girlfriend
“But, he has got a little mistake [in him] from time to time, Oscar, a little bit less on pure speed, but a little bit more solid.
“So, it’ll be super interesting to see how that’s going to unfold next season.
“And certainly Oscar also has a chance to clinch that Drivers’ title.”
Lando Norris ultimately came out on top in head-to-head battle with Oscar Piastri
The relationship between Norris and Piastri seems very friendly, but it hasn’t always gone to plan on the track.
McLaren introduced papaya rules to try and make sure they could maximise every result, especially when Norris was trying to chase down Verstappen in the Drivers’ Championship.
That didn’t work at the Italian Grand Prix when Piastri dived down the inside of Norris to take the lead before both drivers ultimately lost out to Charles Leclerc.
READ MORE: McLaren driver Lando Norris’ life outside F1 from parents to celebration
Piastri has had moments of brilliance throughout the year, including his wins in Hungary and Baku.
However, throughout the campaign, Norris has shown why he earned an 82-point lead over his less experienced teammate.
| Name | Poles | Podiums | Wins | Points | Position |
| Lando Norris | 8 | 13 | 4 | 374 | 2nd |
| Oscar Piastri | 0 | 8 | 2 | 292 | 4th |
The 25-year-old was perfect in Abu Dhabi and even under pressure knowing that one mistake would see McLaren lose the championship, he didn’t put a foot wrong.
Norris could learn something from Piastri about overtaking Verstappen, but until the Australian improves his one-lap pace and tyre management, he may be relegated to a number two role at McLaren again next year.
Leave feedback about this