Lando Norris gained a dramatic season finale in Abu Dhabi as McLaren claimed their first constructors’ title since 1998.
Holding a 21-point lead over Ferrari in the beginning of the day, and with Norris on pole and Oscar Piastri simply behind him in second on the grid, all of the playing cards had been stacked in McLaren’s favour in the beginning of the race, particularly with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc nineteenth on the grid after a disastrous qualifying session.
However a first-lap collision between Piastri and world champion Max Verstappen – for which the Purple Bull driver was handed a 10-second penalty – despatched the Australian tumbling down the sphere and he needed to work arduous to complete tenth.
That left Norris below huge stress, realizing he needed to win the race to safe the title for McLaren. The Briton had each Ferraris respiration down his neck, Leclerc having profited from the chaos to surge by way of the pack.
In the long run, Norris held on to win by practically 6 seconds from Carlos Sainz, with Leclerc third.
“Me and Zak have already stated we’re going to get completely hammered tonight,” the 24 year-old stated of his victory plans with McLaren chief govt Zak Brown. “I’m excited. The entire workforce wish to rejoice and I wish to rejoice with them.”
Lewis Hamilton, in the meantime, produced what his workforce principal Toto Wolff referred to as “the drive of a champion” in his last race for Mercedes, going from sixteenth to fourth.
The Ferrari-bound driver, who raised eyebrows by turning up earlier than the race carrying pink, handed team-mate George Russell on the final lap earlier than finishing up some ‘doughnuts’ on monitor because the crowds chanted ‘Lewis, Lewis’.
Extra to observe…
03:34 PM GMTThat is it for 2024
We shall be again for pre-season testing on the finish of February. There may also be loads of end-of-season content material at the moment. And a good bit of stories too. Thanks for becoming a member of us this 12 months, it has been an fulfilling one.
03:22 PM GMTA bit extra from race-winner Norris
“I am so happy with everybody. It has been a stunning journey. To finish the season like that is good” 🟧
Lando Norris says it feels “unbelievable” to win the Constructors’ Championship for McLaren ⚙
03:10 PM GMTI suppose Zak Brown loved this one03:07 PM GMTPiastri says Verstappen apologised to him
Just about right away after the race. Additionally says that it has been an excellent 12 months however he has a number of issues to work on. A good evaluation.
03:07 PM GMTA few extra of Hamilton’s Mercedes farewell
03:03 PM GMTMore from McLaren Racing CEO Zak Brown
“That was the worst two hours of my life by far. Lando drove brilliantly. Unlucky what occurred to Oscar in the beginning. I feel I used to be the one one able to have a coronary heart assault throughout the race. That race, he carried us and to notice make any errors… he drove flawlessly. Subsequent, attempt to repeat constructors and attempt to get the drivers’. I let Oscar and Lando determine that one out.”
He has many phrases of reward for workforce principal Andrea Stella and says he’ll lead the workforce of their partying tonight.
02:58 PM GMTFinal constructor standings
Simply 14 factors the distinction ultimately between McLaren and Ferrari. Or two per cent. Small margins.
I feel Haas ought to be happy with their season regardless of dropping out to Alpine. And Alpine ought to be proud to complete sixth after their disastrous begin. As a works workforce they need to be doing much better than that, nevertheless it was a nice comeback led by Pierre Gasly.
02:54 PM GMTFinal driver standings
On the very finish Alpine’s Pierre Gasly pips Nico Hulkenberg to tenth within the standings. They each had incredible seasons.
Hamilton had been on the radio for an excellent time providing his thanks and ideas earlier than as he indicators off a record-breaking partnership.
“We love you too and you’ll at all times be a part of this household. And if we are able to’t win, you may win.”
Hamilton is again within the Mercedes storage saying goodbye to the workforce, individually it appears.
02:48 PM GMTRace winner Lando Norris speaks
“I’m so happy with everybody. It’s been a stunning journey and to finish the season like that is good it’s been a tricky one however for us to win a constructors after 26 years is fairly particular. Me and Zak have already stated we’re gong to get completely hammered tonight, so I’m excited. It’s going to be an excellent evening. I made my errors this 12 months however I’ve learnt so much from Max and my rivals round me.”
02:47 PM GMT…and right here is Carlos Sainz, who completed second
“Clearly a little bit of a bittersweet feeling. In the long run I feel P2 was the very best we might do right now given the tempo of Lando within the McLaren. They only obtained a bit out of attain [in the second stint]. Congratulations after all to McLaren, they deserve this. From our aspect I feel we could be happy with the hassle we put collectively.”
“Emotional in-lap with my engineer however on the identical time very grateful to be a part of this workforce for 4 years.”
02:43 PM GMTCharles Leclerc reacts after a superb third
He began nineteenth!
“I knew I needed to be very aggressive and in lap one take all of the dangers to achieve as many locations as potential… sadly we had been simply beginning too additional again to do something higher than what we’ve finished right now. It hurts as a result of when the season is so shut… we’ve simply come wanting our purpose however on the finish we’ve tried all the pieces.
“Lewis has achieved a lot within the sport and it will likely be an enormous motivation however for now I’m excited about the previous years I did with Carlos. I actually hoped we might end these 4 years along with a title. I’ll have 4 or 5 days to reset and begin excited about subsequent 12 months.”
02:39 PM GMTHamilton trying emotional
After ending a number of donuts on the grid he crouches down on the bottom on the grid, subsequent to his W15. He offers it a pat and exhales. The W15 has delivered him two victories.
He provides some phrases of congratulation to Zak Brown and McLaren. “I’m so joyful for you guys,” he says.
02:37 PM GMTMcLaren’s Zak Brown speaks to Ted Kravitz
“I really like everybody in Woking! What an superior workforce effort. All of the women and men at McLaren, wonderful! That was traumatic!”
Congratulations to him and McLaren. A very long time coming however that may imply so much.
🏆 WE DID IT! CONSTRUCTORS’ CHAMPIONS! 🏆
To everybody at McLaren and each single fan on the market: this one’s for you. 🧡
We dreamt it. We constructed it. We WON it. LET’S GO! 🥳🔥
It’s their ninth constructors’ title.
02:35 PM GMTSainz provides some phrases of because of Ferrari
He finishes a powerful second in his last race earlier than transferring to Williams subsequent 12 months. It’s a double podium for Ferrari, who shall be targetting double glory in 2025. A poor race for Purple Bull with Verstappen sixth after one other 10-second penalty and two penalty factors on his licence.
Seventh for Gasly secures sixth for Alpine. He has been very good within the last third of the season.
02:33 PM GMTAbu Dhabi GP – Prime 10 classification
NOR
SAI
LEC
HAM
RUS
VER
GAS
HUL
ALO
PIA
Lawson, Bottas, Colapinto and Perez all retire. Magnussen takes the quickest lap however finishes sixteenth and final on the highway. Possible his final race in F1.
02:32 PM GMTLANDO NORRIS WINS THE 2024 ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX
McLaren are constructors champions for the primary time since 1998 and Lewis Hamilton has overtaken George Russell on the ultimate lap for fourth! It’s not sufficient for a podium however that may be a drive that’s extra becoming of his time at Mercedes. All the best way again from sixteenth on the grid. It means he outscores Russell by two factors over their three seasons at Mercedes if my maths are appropriate.
02:30 PM GMTFINAL LAP
Norris begins his last tour of the race and of 2024. Hamilton shall be proper on the again of Russell on the finish of the lap. We’ve yellow flags in sector two, although, as Liam Lawson has stopped. That’s on the again straight. Lawson has retired and has been moved out of the best way.
Unsure if Hamilton has this one, really. DRS disabled within the second sector. That can hamper him.
He closes up at flip 9…
02:29 PM GMTLap 57 of 58 – Two laps for Hamilton to get Russell
Russell has been advised to “maintain it tremendous clear with Lewis”. That instruction got here from workforce principal Toto Wolff.
It won’t be on this lap however it will likely be both this or the ultimate lap that the transfer comes. I’m virtually sure of that.
02:27 PM GMTLap 56 of 58 – Norris about to lap team-mate Piastri right here
They began 1-2 on the grid however Piastri has fought again effectively to get into tenth. Hamilton will get DRS on this lap. Russell below large stress. Will he resist?
02:26 PM GMTLap 55 of 58 – Hamilton closes the hole to Russell to 2.5sec
I feel it’s only a matter of time. Hamilton 1.1sec quicker than Leclerc too however there’s simply an excessive amount of time to make up there within the remaining laps so I feel a podium is an excessive amount of to ask except Leclerc’s tempo actually drops off.
02:25 PM GMTLap 54 of 58 – Prime 10
NOR
SAI
LEC
RUS
HAM
VER
GAS
HUL
ALO
PIA
02:25 PM GMTLap 53 of 58 – Norris leads by 7.1sec over Sainz
Hamilton has a greater lap, now 3.3sec the hole. No matter is going on with Sainz appears to be OK now. Nonetheless missing tempo in comparison with Norris however not massively.
02:23 PM GMTLap 52 of 58 – Solely 0.6 Hamilton was quicker than Russell
Not unattainable that Hamilton has pushed these mediums too arduous now…
02:22 PM GMTLap 51 of 48 – Norris cruising now
Hamilton crusing as much as Russell, taking practically a second from Russell and 0.7sec from Leclerc. I feel a podium is an excessive amount of to ask except Leclerc’s tyres quit however fourth is probably going for Hamilton.
Sainz says he thinks he has a puncture however is advised that all the pieces is OK. That may assist Hamilton’s quest for a podium. His tempo shouldn’t be nice however shouldn’t be terrible.
02:19 PM GMTLap 50 of 58 – McLaren at present successful the constructors’
Russell is struggling. Hamilton shouldn’t be. 6.3sec the hole between the pair now. Magnussen is the automobile between them however a lap down.
02:18 PM GMTLap 49 of 58 – Norris leads Sainz by 5.8sec
That is the type of hole the place Norris can simply drive conservately. Piastri up into eleventh after a pleasant transfer on Tsunoda.
Hamilton takes one other 0.8sec out of his team-mate forward. Leclerc in third about 0.4sec slower.
02:16 PM GMTLap 48 of 58 – Inform you what, Hamilton is flying right here
The tempo of Sainz, Leclerc and Russell shouldn’t be nice. Hamilton is at the least half a second faster than all of them and was 1.3sec quicker than Russell, who has lastly lapped Magnussen.
10 laps to go and eight.5sec the hole between the 2 with Sainz now 5.3sec up the highway.
02:15 PM GMTLap 47 of 58 – Piastri advised to remain calm
He had an off-track tour not too long ago however is advised that ninth is on the playing cards.
02:14 PM GMTLap 46 of 58 – A slower lap for Russell
Sainz has dropped to five.9sec behind Norris. Each Ferraris are struggling for tempo now, lapping within the mid 1:28s. Norris within the low 1:28s, Hamilton within the mid 1:27s. Russell now slower than the 2 Ferraris although is coming as much as lap Magnussen.
02:11 PM GMTLap 45 of 58 – Prime 10
NOR
SAI +4.9
LEC +27.2
RUS +31.0
HAM +42.8
GAS +49.1
VER +49.9
HUL +52.9
ALB +65.5
TSU +77.9
02:11 PM GMTLap 44 of 58 – Leclerc on the radio
“Like this we lose the constructors or not?” Leclerc asks.
“Like this sure, nevertheless it’s not completed. Maintain pushing,” he’s advised.
He’s in third however Russell is closing the hole to him fairly shortly. 0.7sec quicker final time. Perhaps a podium is on for Hamilton right here.
02:09 PM GMTLap 43 of 58 – Verstappen into seventh
Hulkenberg slipping again within the Haas now. Should say that the reconfigured monitor structure has made this one of many higher locations for overtaking.
02:08 PM GMTLap 42 of 58 – Hamilton overtakes Gasly for fifth
George Russell is 14.4sec forward with Leclerc an additional 4.4sec forward of him. Unsure he has the tempo to get both of them, not to mention each, for that last podium. However you could be positive as effectively he shall be pushing. He does have an eight-lap tyre benefit over Russell and 14-lap benefit over Leclerc. 0.8sec quicker than his team-mate final time, so that you by no means know.
02:07 PM GMTA unhappy finish to an F1 profession for Perez? In all probability
“At all times a little bit of a tragic one once you get a message throughout a race saying “X driver is within the interview pen now”. We obtained that message from Sergio Perez’s press officer about 10 minutes into this grand prix. He would have needed to go and do it with the race occurring within the background, with hardly anybody to talk to. In all probability the Mexican’s final interview pen in Method One. Rumours abound that Liam Lawson shall be introduced on the again finish of the week (as soon as Purple Bull’s homecoming social gathering again on the manufacturing facility is out of the best way).”
02:06 PM GMTLap 41 of 58 – Norris takes 0.9sec from Sainz
4.6sec the lead now. Sainz did lap Zhou on the final tour so maybe that’s the reason. Norris ought to have this sewn up although. Gasly holding sturdy in fifth however has Hamilton 1.1sec behind now that the Briton has overtaken Hulkenberg for sith. Verstappen not holding tempo with Hamilton at present.
02:04 PM GMTLap 40 of 58 – Norris requested a query by his race engineer
“Do you suppose you would cross Sainz on recent tyres if he stayed out?”
That’s extra of a query if there’s a Security Automotive quite than any probably change in present technique.
02:03 PM GMTLap 39 of 58 – Norris extends his result in 3.5sec over Sainz
We’ve not seen a lot of him on our screens to date right now. It could be a becoming strategy to safe the title and end the Briton’s best F1 season but. It could even be his fourth victory of 2024. Solely Verstappen has extra with 9.
02:01 PM GMTLap 38 of 58 – Hamilton’s tempo is sweet
He’s the quickest man on monitor at present, lapping a number of tenths quicker than Norris the final time round.
02:00 PM GMTLap 37 of 58 – Piastri down in fifteenth
He has served his penalty now and mustn’t cease once more. He’s, although, 20 seconds exterior of the factors. It’s not unattainable…
01:59 PM GMTLap 36 of 58 – Verstappen will get Alonso for eighth
Norris has prolonged his lead over Sainz to three.1sec now after it hovering round two seconds for eight or 9 laps.
That is why Bottas needed to retire. A disgrace nevertheless it was a fairly large error from the Finn.
LAP 32/58
Bottas comes into the pits with harm after hitting Magnussen. The Finn shouldn’t be popping out once more ❌
Big disappointment for Valtteri in his last race 😖
01:58 PM GMTLap 35 of 58 – Verstappen joins the HAM/ALO battle
13 world championships between them. Assume there’s a higher probability of Verstappen overtaking Alonso than Alonso overtaking Hamilton. The Aston Martin driver is on a lot older tyres.
01:56 PM GMTLap 34 of 58 – Prime 10 and gaps
NOR
SAI +2.5
LEC +22.6
RUS +25.6
GAS +33.3
HUL +35.2
HAM +35.4
ALO +43.1
VER +44.9
ALB +52.4
Hamilton has stopped however comes out simply in entrance of his previous mate Fernando Alonso.
LAP 35/58
Lewis Hamilton exits the pits after bolting on recent rubber. He is again out on monitor in P7.
He’ll be giving it completely all the pieces all the best way to the chequered flag 💪
01:54 PM GMTLap 33 of 58 – No signal of the SC but
Particles down at flip seven I imagine. Piastri is available in and serves his 10-second time penalty. Sainz protecting Norris sincere however that isn’t sufficient for Ferrari to dislodge McLaren on the high of the standings.
01:53 PM GMTLap 32 of 58 – Norris leads Sainz by two seconds
Hamilton in third however has not but stopped. Verstappen tenth after his pit cease and penalty.
01:51 PM GMTLap 31 of 58 – Verstappen is Verstappening
“Can we ask for 20 seconds? Silly idiots,” he says of the stewards.
Yellow flags as Valtteri Bottas limps across the monitor with a front-right puncture. He collided with Magnussen. Locking up on the hairpin, not desiring to crash into the Haas however as soon as he put the brakes on there was no different end result.
Loads of particles on the market. Bottas retires from the race after that.
Security Automotive right here?
01:49 PM GMTLap 30 of 58 – Hamilton advised {that a} podium is feasible
That may be enjoyable. He’d need to dislodge Russell and Leclerc from that battle and I’m not positive that is going on. He’ll probably be on the medium tyres on decrease gas, although, so the tyre differential would possibly assist him.
01:48 PM GMTLap 29 of 59 – Prime 10
NOR
SAI +2.0
VER +10.3
HAM +13.1
LEC +20.9
RUS +24.0
GAS +26.6
HUL +28.1
ALO +34.4
PIA +36.2
10-second cease/go penalty for Lawson for being launched in an unsafe situation. Verstappen is available in for his pit cease and 10-second time penalty.
01:47 PM GMTLap 28 of 58 – Norris leads Sainz by 2.1sec
Sainz has simply set the quickest lap of the race however Norris is trying sharp on his barely more energizing tyres.
Hamilton in fourth now behind Verstappen by 2.8sec. They’re the one two males to not cease to date.
01:46 PM GMTLap 27 of 58 – Colapinto retires the automobile
He’s advised by James Vowles that it was a PU difficulty. “It’s been a pleasure,” says Vowles as he apologises. A dissapointing finish to the season however loads of promise in there, too.
01:45 PM GMTLap 26 of 58 – In Norris comes…
It was a fast cease. Good work if all of the wheels are on…
Will that be sufficient for him to retain the lead? Sure, it’s. However the hole is all the way down to 1.5sec in very brief order. Not sufficient for Sainz to have DRS but. However he can have hotter tyres than the McLaren.
Leclerc advised to go onto Plan C. Russell comes out behind Russell.
01:43 PM GMTLap 25 of 58 – In comes Sainz
He switches to the arduous tyres. Will McLaren convey Norris in? I feel they may. They can not threat dropping monitor place to a Ferrari. It must be a stable however not spectacular pit cease.
01:42 PM GMTLap 24 of 58 – Sainz cuts Norris’s lead
Not by an amazing deal, only a tenth on the final lap. Leclerc will get Gasly for sixth however will the Frenchman return the favour down the next straight? No.
Dangerous information for Lawson. He says his wheels will not be correctly on. Nicely, he isn’t precisely slowing down on the market. Will he come again in? Absolutely. He does.
“Mate, the automobile dropped,” he says. I assume referring to the pit cease and why he went when the wheels weren’t on correctly.
01:39 PM GMTLap 23 of 58 – Talking of factors
Will Hamilton get any right now? He’s on a unique tyre technique to everybody else and is at present sixth having not stopped but on his arduous tyres.
Leclerc comes up on the again of Lawson and goes up the within of flip 9. Gasly the following man forward.
01:37 PM GMTLap 22 of 58 – Norris leads by 4.2sec forward of Sainz
A two-horse race for the win at present, actually. Piastri is up into thirteenth although does need to serve a 10-second time penalty. Unsure factors are unattainable however they are going to be very tough from right here with out some luck for the Australian.
Norris now practically a pit-stop’s value of time forward of Russell. Will McLaren look ahead to a slot to place him out again into? Or simply observe Sainz? Sainz takes a few tenths out of Norris’s lead.
01:36 PM GMTLap 21 of 58 – Leclerc pits on the finish of lap 20
He comes out simply behind Gasly and forward of Nico Hulkenberg in ninth. Not unhealthy. Undercut threat now for Russell.
01:34 PM GMTLap 20 of 58 – Leclerc not fairly managing to get inside DRS vary of Russell
Russell has most likely seen this coming and put his foot down a bit. Verstappen is 4.6sec behind Leclerc, although with a 10-second penalty, however is lapping roughly as shortly as the 2 forward.
01:33 PM GMTLap 19 of 58 – Prime 10
NOR
SAI
RUS
LEC
VER
HAM
LAW
GAS
HUL
TSU
01:32 PM GMTLap 18 of 58 – Not even at a 3rd race distance but
Norris simply edging his lead additional. Because it stands McLaren are taking the constructors’ title and Alpine would safe sixth forward of Haas and RB.
01:31 PM GMTLap 17 of 58 – Stroll will get a black and white flag
For quite a few monitor limits infringements, I imagine. Gasly will get Tsunoda for eighth on more energizing tyres than the RB. Leclerc simply 1.1sec behind Russell within the battle for third.
01:29 PM GMTLap 16 of 58 – Norris is requested about his tyres
He says they’re OK however barely worse than they had been. He extends his hole to 4 seconds. Verstappen now 20.8sec behind Norris, 30.8sec should you apply his penalty.
01:28 PM GMTLap 15 of 58 – Verstappen struggling together with his tyres
Says his entrance getting too scorching. Norris leads Sainz by 3.7sec with Russell a distant third and a few 10.5sec behind Sainz. Hamilton now as much as sixth as a number of pit stops of these forward of him have began. Albon faces no additional investigation for false begin however Zhou will get a penalty for a similar offence.
01:26 PM GMTLap 14 of 58 – Nonetheless Gasly resists Russell’s problem
Gasly has pushed fantastically within the last third of the season. A podium may be a bit an excessive amount of to ask for right now however a high six, a really beneficial one for Alpine, is on the playing cards. He comes into the pits on the finish of the lap.
LAP 15/58
BOX BOX BOX 📦
Pierre makes his method in – popping out simply behind of Jack, who makes method, releasing him down into T-5.
Nice teamwork. Let’s maintain going 💪💪
01:25 PM GMTLap 13 of 58 – Norris extends his lead
3.5sec now his benefit over Sainz.
01:24 PM GMTLap 12 of 58 – Verstappen vs Alonso arising
Leclerc battling Hulkenberg and is on his last warning for monitor limits. The Ferrari driver is now up into fifth. Hamilton says he has “no tempo”.
Verstappen will get Alonso in the direction of the tip of the lap and the Dutchman now up into seventh, although his 10-second penalty would drop him to eleventh at present.
Albon famous for a false begin. As is Zhou. Sluggish cease for Magnussen.
01:21 PM GMTLap 11 of 58 – Norris now must convey this residence
McLaren at present scoring 25 factors, Ferrari 26. That isn’t sufficient for Ferrari to overhaul McLaren and win the title but when Norris had been to hit hassle then that adjustments. Leclerc positively on for a podium right here, maybe even the almost definitely man to take that third spot.
01:19 PM GMTLap 10 of 58 – Prime 10 and gaps
NOR
SAI +3.2
GAS +7.8
RUS +8.8
HUL +10.0
LEC +11.3
ALO +11.9
VER +13.9
MAG +15.1
STR +15.2
01:18 PM GMTLap 9 of 58 – 10-second penalty for Piastri
Honest sufficient. His race was all-but ruined anyway. It was for this incident beneath:
01:17 PM GMTLap 8 of 58 – Piastri/Colapinto incident below investigation
I feel Piastri shall be getting a penalty for that.
Norris leads Sainz by 3.1sec with Gasly 3.5sec behind him. Russell inside DRS vary of him then it’s Nico Hulkenberg, Alonso, Leclerc, Magnussen, Verstappen and Stroll. Hamilton twelfth.
01:15 PM GMTLap 7 of 58 – Leclerc is flying
He will get Kevin Magnussen for seventh. Alonso is the following man up the highway.
01:13 PM GMTLap 6 of 58 – 10-second penalty for Verstappen
Trying on the replay from Verstappen’s onboard I feel that was honest. He says he was “all the best way up the within” however he was not. His entrance wheels had been a metre or two behind Piastri’s. Not Piastri’s fault in any respect, far too optimistic.
“Transfer of a world champion, that one,” Piastri says. Unsure if he signifies that he could make that transfer as a result of the title is already wrapped up or if he was being sarcastic.
01:12 PM GMTLap 5 of 58 – Piastri comes into the pits
No entrance wing change however he does have new tyres placed on. Norris is main by 2.5sec, a barely diminished lead after Sainz set the quickest lap of the race.
01:10 PM GMTLap 4 of 58 – Dangerous information for Piastri
He slammed into the again of Colapinto below the VSC, or simply because it had ended, and seems to have given Colapinto a puncture, the McLaren locking up closely within the course of.
01:09 PM GMTLap 3 of 58 – VSC ends
Gasly below large stress from Russell behind and the Mercedes driver picks up a slipstream after which will get DRS however Gasly retains the spot. He obtained DRS himself. Norris leads by three seconds from Sainz.
01:07 PM GMTLap 2 of 58 – Piastri/Verstappen incident famous
Piastri did depart the door huge open and Verstappen tried to take the prospect. Unsure if Piastri knew he was there or not.
We’ve a Digital Security Automotive now as a result of Perez has stopped by the aspect of the monitor. It appeared prefer it got here as Verstappen put one up the within of Liam Lawson.
That is most likely, sadly, the best way that Sergio Perez’s Purple Bull and F1 profession ends…
Right here’s the highest 10:
NOR
SAI
GAS
RUS
HUL
ALO
MAG
LEC
STR
LAW
Verstappen eleventh, Hamilton twelfth. Piastri nineteenth and final on the highway.
01:06 PM GMTTHE 2024 ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX IS GO!
Norris leads the sphere into the primary nook however Verstappen and Piastri collide at flip one! Not what McLaren needed. Piastri was on the surface and didn’t quit the spot and Verstappen didn’t both!
IT’S LIGHTS OUT for the ultimate time this season 🚦
A dramatic first lap sees Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri contact within the first nook 😲
Whose fault? Unsure but.
Piastri has dropped all the way down to the again of the pack, Verstappen is down in eleventh. Perez has had a spin on the chicane in the midst of the lap. McLaren appear like having a harder afternoon than that they had hoped.
Leclerc as much as twelfth…
01:02 PM GMTThe formation lap is below method… however Magnussen investigated
That’s for doing a apply begin on the finish of the pit lane, contravening the race director’s directions. Could possibly be a time penalty.
01:00 PM GMTStarting tyre varieties
Everybody bar Lewis Hamilton on the medium tyres. The Mercedes driver is the one one on arduous tyres.
12:58 PM GMTWe are practically able to get going…12:55 PM GMTCould this be Valtteri Bottas’s final race in F1?
The ten-time grand prix winner is with out a seat for subsequent 12 months and, because it stands, there is only one to fill: RB. I feel Purple Bull will find yourself ditching Perez however I feel they may select Liam Lawson for that seat. Would Bottas be a better option?
Both method it might be good for him to attain some factors right here. He has not managed that in 2024 but.
12:47 PM GMTRussell vs Verstappen half 23 averted
“Pierre Gasly the final driver to the anthem ceremony. Simply obtained there in time to separate George and Max.”
12:43 PM GMTAbu Dhabi GP beginning grid
1. NOR 2. PIA3. SAI 4. VER5. GAS 6. RUS7. HUL 8. ALO9. BOT 10. PER11. TSU 12. LAW13. STR 14. MAG15. ZHO 16. HAM17. DOO 18. ALB19. LEC 20. COL
12:40 PM GMTA last farewell for Hamilton at Mercedes
About 20 minutes till lights out now.
12:36 PM GMTNews: Ben Sulayem’s proposed new position in FIA ethics complaints process criticised
“David Richards, the chairman of Motorsport UK, has expressed concern about proposed adjustments to the FIA’s statutes, which he believes will make motorsport’s governing physique much less clear and accountable.
“The checklist of revisions to the FIA’s statutes shall be voted on by FIA member golf equipment at subsequent week’s Annual Common Assembly. The proposed adjustments would make sure that any ethics complaints had been overseen by the FIA president and president of its senate, who’s one in every of his shut allies, quite than the senate itself. And they’d take away the facility of the audit committee to analyze monetary points independently.”
12:30 PM GMTLatest constructor standings
Nearly as attention-grabbing because the battle for the title is the battle between Haas, Alpine and RB for sixth. Alpine at present cleared the path with Haas simply 5 factors behind. In all probability an excessive amount of of a job for RB to get there right now given they path by 13 factors and Alpine begin fifth with Gasly and Haas seventh with Hulkenberg.
12:22 PM GMTHamilton takes a shot at Mercedes?
“Simply heading to the grid. The principle speaking level of the day to date? Lewis Hamilton’s choice to show up right now dressed head to toe in pink. Was that in protest at Mercedes’ qualifying error final evening which noticed him exit in Q1? Who is aware of nevertheless it was fairly provocative from the soon-to-be Ferrari driver.
“In any other case, there’s a really end-of-term really feel to proceedings right here. With McLaren virtually residence and dry within the constructors’ there isn’t an enormous quantity driving on the race. Russell simply behind Verstappen is kind of enjoyable given their shenanigans this week.”
12:20 PM GMTExcited about F1 in 2025?
You have to be. The automobiles subsequent 12 months will very a lot be a carry-over from 2024 with no important adjustments, which suggests the aggressive order is unlikely to alter enormously. That is how shut it has been for the reason that summer season break:
49 factors separate the highest six drivers within the final 9 rounds.
12:14 PM GMTSix world titles and 84 race wins — a lot for Hamilton’s ‘terrible mistake’ becoming a member of Mercedes
“Six drivers’ world championships, eight constructors’ titles, 84 wins, 78 pole positions, 153 podium finishes and 12 years later, it’s honest to say the gamble paid off. Hamilton and Mercedes have been probably the most profitable driver-and-team partnership in F1 historical past.
“It’s simple to overlook now, with the good thing about hindsight, simply how stunning Hamilton’s transfer was on the time. It was seismic. Mercedes had gained only one race in 50 since their return as a full works workforce three years earlier, and early Twitter adopters weren’t the one ones sceptical about it.”
12:06 PM GMTCurrent driver standings
Was is there to play for?
Leclerc can overtake Norris for second however that may be a huge ask. Sainz can overtake Piastri for third however, once more, the identical applies. Sainz can’t end decrease than fifth. Russell is nearly actually safe in sixth except Hamilton wins and he doesn’t rating two factors. Perez is eighth. Gasly can dislodge Hulkenberg for tenth and has a good probability of doing that as he begins fifth.
12:04 PM GMTAlways love these finish of season images
Q: Who’s there that wasn’t current in the beginning of the season?
A: Colapinto, Lawson, Doohan.
11:55 AM GMT14 weeks till the 2025 F1 season will get below method
That occurs in Melbourne, Australia on March 16. Earlier than then is the pre-season testing in Bahrain which runs from February 26-28, Wednesday to Friday inclusive. Right here is the complete calendar for 2025, 24 races and 6 sprints once more.
11:52 AM GMTHere is the outfit Hamilton arrived in for his last race at Mercedes
Greater than a nod to subsequent 12 months?
11:45 AM GMTFinal qualifying head to heads, 2024 season
Qualifying is finished for the season, so right here is how every driver stacks up in opposition to their team-mate. Some good data in there. Piastri actually wants to enhance his one-lap tempo. He has not been that far behind Norris however ought to be beating him extra usually. Someway, I don’t suppose Sergio Perez will get that luxurious.
Lando Norris (Gbr) McLaren 1min 22.595secs
Oscar Piastri (Aus) McLaren 1:22.804
Carlos Sainz Jr. (Spa) Ferrari 1:22.824
Nico Hulkenberg (Ger) Haas F1 1:22.886
Max Verstappen (Ned) Purple Bull 1:22.945
Pierre Gasly (Fra) Alpine 1:22.984
George Russell (Gbr) Mercedes GP 1:23.132
Fernando Alonso (Spa) Aston Martin 1:23.196
Valtteri Bottas (Fin) Kick Sauber 1:23.204
Sergio Perez (Mex) Purple Bull 1:23.264
Yuki Tsunoda (Jpn) RB 1:23.419
Liam Lawson (Nzl) RB 1:23.472
Lance Stroll (Can) Aston Martin 1:23.784
Charles Leclerc (Mon) Ferrari 1:23.833
Kevin Magnussen (Den) Haas F1 1:23.877
Alexander Albon (Tha) Williams 1:23.821
Guanyu Zhou (Chn) Kick Sauber 1:23.880
Lewis Hamilton (Gbr) Mercedes GP 1:23.887
Franco Colapinto (Arg) Williams 1:23.912
Jack Doohan (Aus) Alpine 1:24.105
11:10 AM GMTGood afternoon F1 followers
Welcome to our dwell protection for the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, the ultimate race of the present season. It has been fairly a season, has it not? In the long run Max Verstappen emerged victorious after constructing a big benefit with seven wins within the first 10 races, however since then the spoils have been shared pretty evenly round, with the season turning into unpredictable, shut, repeatedly thrilling and infrequently controversial.
Since Verstappen gained the Spanish Grand Prix in June we’ve had seven winners from 4 completely different groups. Not one in every of them has gained greater than two races in that interval, although, a fairly exceptional run. What’s left to play for right now? Nicely, a race victory after all but in addition the constructors’ championship. McLaren are aiming to win their first workforce title since 1998 (they scored probably the most factors in 2007 however had been disqualified from the championship).
They’ve gone a protracted strategy to securing that with a front-row lockout yesterday, Lando Norris taking his eighth pole place of the season. They lead Ferrari by 21 factors heading into this spherical so it was already a tricky ask. Issues turned even more durable when Charles Leclerc was given a 10-place grid penalty and worse nonetheless when he went out in Q2. He’ll begin on the very again.
In fact, if the 2 McLarens come collectively then Ferrari might need half an opportunity. However exterior of that or one thing very unusual occurring, that is McLaren’s to lose. It could cap off a exceptional turnaround from the doldrums of the Honda years when the workforce completed ninth twice in three years, as not too long ago as 2017. Ferrari by no means reached these depths however Frederic Vasseur and his women and men ought to be recommended for a powerful season. They’ll actually go into 2025 as contenders in each championships.
One man that ought to please is Lewis Hamilton, whose success-littered Mercedes profession – six titles and 84 race wins – involves an finish right now. It doesn’t appear like being a nice and becoming ending, with the Briton beginning effectively down the grid after being eradicated in Q1. He heads to Ferrari subsequent season and has turned up in an outfit which actually appears like a nod to that.
Anyway, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix begins at 1pm GMT and we shall be right here for the entire build-up, dwell updates and response from it.
