Racing isn’t just a sport; it’s a theater of speed, heartbreak, and euphoria. It’s where legacies are written in rubber and asphalt, where every victory lap feels like a rush of emotion. But even in a world that moves at 300 kilometers per hour, some moments demand you slow down to savor their gravity. The 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix demanded just that. Beyond the season finale, it marked the sentimental end of partnerships, dramatic victories, and constant thrill that kept fans on the edge of their seats.
The Yas Marina Circuit once again played host to Formula 1’s grand finale, but this year’s Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was a story of comebacks, collisions, and one team’s triumphant return to the top. McLaren ended a 26-year Constructors’ Championship drought with a commanding victory, led by an unstoppable Lando Norris, while Ferrari pushed hard to keep the papaya team honest. With drama at every corner and emotional farewells across the grid, the season finale delivered everything fans could hope for, and more.
LANDO NORRIS SEALS THE VICTORY FOR MCLAREN
Lando Norris didn’t just win the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix; he owned it. Leading from pole, the Brit put on a masterclass performance to bring McLaren its first Constructors’ Championship since 1998. It was a bittersweet triumph, overshadowing his teammate Oscar Piastri’s troubles after a first-lap clash with Max Verstappen. Norris finished comfortably, crossing the line five seconds ahead of Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz.
FERRARI’S DOUBLE PODIUM
The 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was a bittersweet curtain call for Ferrari. Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc may have narrowly missed out on the Constructors’ Championship, but their double podium finish was a testament to their relentless determination. Leclerc clawed his way from and almost impossible P19 to finish P3. Meanwhile, Carlos, in his final race with Ferrari, brought home P2, a fitting farewell for a driver who gave his all to the Scuderia. Their shared moment on the podium was a fitting farewell for Sainz. While the constructors’ crown went elsewhere, the red duo on the podium reminded us of the resilience, teamwork, and the unyielding pursuit of excellence that defines Ferrari.
CHAOS IN LAP ONE
Lap one, turn one, and bam—Max Verstappen and Oscar Piastri tangled in a clash. Verstappen, the reigning world champion, picked up a penalty, while Piastri’s race unraveled in a downward spiral of spins and setbacks. While the Red Bull driver managed to recover to P6, the collision added a layer of drama to an already intense finale.
HAMILTON’S EMOTIONAL GOODBYE TO MERCEDES
For Lewis Hamilton, the man synonymous with Mercedes dominance, it was the final act before the curtain fell on a glittering chapter. His late overtake on teammate George Russell for P4 was pure Hamilton brilliance, but the real tearjerker came post-race as he bid farewell to Mercedes. With seven titles, countless memories, and a legacy for the ages, the end of an era was marked by heartfelt words and misty eyes.
HAMILTON’S CLEVER SARTORIAL MESSAGING
If there’s one driver who’s turned the paddock into his personal runway, it’s Lewis Hamilton. And the seven-time world champion’s final weekend with Mercedes was a masterclass in making a statement through style. Formula 1 fans and fashionistas alike were glued to his every outfit, each as meticulously planned as his racing strategy. Hamilton started the weekend in crisp white, shifted to a red-and-white ensemble, and ended in full Ferrari red, symbolizing his imminent move to the Scuderia.
BITTERSWEET GOODBYES
The 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix also marked the end of an era for several drivers and teams. Nico Hulkenberg and Kevin Magnussen completed what could be their final races, while Zhou Guanyu and Valtteri Bottas bid farewell to Kick Sauber. The same went for Franco Colapinto, who endured a challenging final race for Williams, and Sergio Perez, whose early spin led to a DNF and intensified speculation about his future.
MAX VERSTAPPEN HAS A BABY ON BOARD
Off the track, Max Verstappen dropped the mic with a life-changing announcement—he’s going to be a dad! The four-time world champion shared the news with model girlfriend Kelly Piquet, marking a new chapter in his alreadyremarkable life. Between racing and dad duties, it seems Verstappen has plenty to keep him busy in 2025.
