McLaren Ends 26-Year Wait with Stunning Constructors’ Championship Win
It’s official: McLaren is back on top of the Formula 1 world! The team has clinched this year’s constructors’ championship, marking their first F1 title since Lewis Hamilton won the drivers’ championship in 2008. For McLaren fans, this is a moment of pure jubilation, as the team ends a 26-year drought for the constructors’ title, a feat they last achieved in 1998 with the legendary duo of Mika Hakkinen and David Coulthard.
The historic victory was sealed in dramatic fashion at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. Lando Norris delivered a masterclass performance, taking the win and standing tall on the podium alongside Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc. It was a race filled with tension, drama, and a few heart-stopping moments for McLaren, but in the end, Norris’ brilliance was enough to secure the crown for the team.
A Race Full of Drama
McLaren’s path to glory wasn’t without its challenges. The race got off to a rocky start when Oscar Piastri collided with Max Verstappen at the very first corner. Verstappen was penalized for the incident, but Piastri’s troubles didn’t end there. Later in the race, he picked up a 10-second penalty for a clash with Franco Colapinto, ultimately finishing in P11. Despite Piastri’s struggles, Norris’ dominant performance ensured McLaren’s triumph, as they clinched the title by a margin of 14 points.
For McLaren, this is their ninth constructors’ title in their illustrious 58-year history. This achievement ties them with Williams for second place in the all-time records, trailing only Ferrari’s 16 titles. It’s a monumental moment for the team, one that cements their legacy as one of the sport’s most iconic and successful outfits.
The Turning Point: Miami Grand Prix
McLaren’s resurgence this season can be traced back to a pivotal moment at the Miami Grand Prix. A major upgrade to their car transformed their fortunes, propelling drivers Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri into serious contenders for race victories. From that point on, McLaren became a force to be reckoned with, consistently challenging the likes of Red Bull and Ferrari.
In fact, McLaren’s rise to the top began earlier in the season at the Azerbaijan Grand Prix, where they ended Red Bull’s incredible streak of 55 consecutive races leading the constructors’ standings. Red Bull’s decline continued in the latter half of the season, leaving Ferrari as McLaren’s only real competition for the title heading into the final seven races. But McLaren’s consistency and Norris’ brilliance proved too much for their rivals to overcome.
Norris Shines, Piastri Learns
While McLaren’s constructors’ title is a team achievement, there’s no denying the pivotal role played by Lando Norris. The British driver was Max Verstappen’s closest competitor for the drivers’ championship this year, though he fell out of mathematical contention two races ago in Las Vegas. Still, Norris’ performances throughout the season have been nothing short of spectacular, and his win in Abu Dhabi was the perfect way to cap off a stellar campaign.
For Oscar Piastri, this season has been a learning curve. The young Australian has shown flashes of brilliance but has also faced his fair share of challenges, as evidenced by his tough outing in Abu Dhabi. However, with a constructors’ title under his belt and a wealth of experience gained this year, Piastri’s future looks incredibly bright.
McLaren’s Place in F1 History
With this victory, McLaren has firmly reestablished itself as one of Formula 1’s elite teams. Their ninth constructors’ title is a testament to the hard work, innovation, and determination that have defined the team’s 58-year journey in the sport. Tying Williams for second place in the all-time records is no small feat, and it’s a clear signal that McLaren is once again a force to be reckoned with.
As the dust settles on the 2024 season, McLaren fans have every reason to celebrate. This is more than just a championship win; it’s a statement. After years of struggle and rebuilding, McLaren is back where they belong—at the very top of Formula 1. And with a driver lineup as talented as Norris and Piastri, the future looks incredibly bright for this iconic team.
Key Takeaways from McLaren’s Championship Win
- McLaren’s first constructors’ title since 1998, ending a 26-year drought.
- Lando Norris’ win in Abu Dhabi sealed the championship by 14 points.
- The team’s ninth constructors’ title ties them with Williams for second all-time, behind Ferrari’s 16.
- A major upgrade at the Miami Grand Prix was the turning point of their season.
- McLaren ended Red Bull’s 55-race streak at the top of the standings earlier this year.
For McLaren, this is more than just a championship—it’s a return to greatness. The 2024 season will go down in history as the year McLaren reclaimed their place among Formula 1’s elite. And for fans of the papaya orange, the wait was well worth it.
Originally Written by: Nate Saunders
