McLaren Racing is poised for a monumental achievement at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri locking out the front row in qualifying. This performance positions the team as the favorite to claim their first Constructors’ Championship since 1998, fending off a fierce challenge from Ferrari, who trail by 21 points.
Norris Leads the Charge with Stunning Pole
Lando Norris continued his stellar form by securing his eighth pole position of the season, tied with Max Verstappen, but claiming the title of best qualifier due to a superior average starting position.
Norris on the Team’s Mindset:
“A perfect day for us,” Norris remarked. “We’ve got to beat Ferrari, that’s the aim. But we want to do it in style and we want to win. I want to win, so we know what we have to do.”
Team Focus: Norris emphasized McLaren’s determination to balance aggression with strategic precision: “We’re here to win every race possible… but knowing in the back of our minds what we really have to do to achieve our big goal.”
Oscar Piastri Completes the Lock-Out
Rising star Oscar Piastri played a pivotal role, qualifying just 0.209 seconds behind his teammate and denying Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz a front-row start by a razor-thin margin.
Piastri on the Result McLaren Drivers Eye Constructors’ Championship Glory at Abu Dhabi GP: “First and second is the dream at the moment,” Piastri noted. “I wish I could have had another shot at my final lap, but P2 is a great spot. The team result is what matters most.”
Championship Priorities: The Australian reiterated the importance of securing the title: “I think we’ll do whatever we can to make sure we win the championship. That’s by far the biggest goal tomorrow.”
Ferrari’s Uphill Battle
Ferrari’s hopes of clinching their first Constructors’ Championship since 2008 suffered a blow:
Carlos Sainz qualified third but missed the front row by two hundredths of a second.
Charles Leclerc faced setbacks, including a lap deletion in Q2 and a 10-place grid penalty for taking a new energy store, leaving Ferrari with limited options to counter McLaren’s dominance.
Constructors’ Championship Scenarios
To secure the championship, McLaren needs to finish the race with a points lead of 18 or more over Ferrari. This means:
Win and Fastest Lap: A win or podium finish by either McLaren driver would all but seal the deal.
Ferrari’s Challenge: Ferrari must outscore McLaren by at least 21 points, a tall order given McLaren’s qualifying advantage.
The 2024 Abu Dhabi GP is shaping up to be a dramatic conclusion to the season. With McLaren drivers starting from prime positions, the team is on the brink of ending a 26-year drought in the Constructors’ Championship. The question now is whether they can maintain their edge under race conditions and hold off a determined Ferrari team. The race kicks off Sunday, and all eyes Norris will be on Norris and Piastri to see if they can deliver McLaren’s long-awaited triumph.
