Lando Norris secured a dominant victory at the season-ending Abu Dhabi Grand Prix to win McLaren their first constructors’ championship since 1998.
The 25-year-old’s fourth win of the season meant McLaren held off the charge of Ferrari as team-mate Oscar Piastri finished only 10th after an eventful race for the Australian at the Yas Marina Circuit.
Ferrari pair Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc were second and third to push McLaren all the way but Norris’ win was enough to secure the title.
McLaren, whose last crown came with Mika Hakkinen and David Coulthard at the wheel, finished 14 points clear of the Scuderia. Lewis Hamilton finished fourth after a last-lap overtake on George Russell.
Follow live updates from the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix:
F1 ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX - LATEST UPDATES
- Lando Norris wins the Abu Dhabi GP; Sainz 2nd; Leclerc 3rd
- McLaren win their first constructors’ title since 1998
- Lewis Hamilton finishes Mercedes career with last-lap overtake
- Toto Wolff gives heartfelt message to Hamilton after final race
- COMMENT: Lewis Hamilton’s farewell at Mercedes ends the greatest era in F1 history – but not in the way you think
Sergio Perez responds to 2025 Red Bull question marks:
Sunday 8 December 2024 18:44
Kieran Jackson
“Well, at the moment, I don’t know,” Perez said, when asked about his future.
“I just know that I’ve got a contract to race next year. And unless something changes in the coming days, that’s going to be the situation for next year.”
When probed about Liam Lawson and Yuki Tsunoda being strongly linked with his seat, the Mexican said: “I think at the moment all I can say is I got a contract, that I signed up in the middle of the year to race for the team for the next two years. So, we’ll see what happens and how the conversation goes in the coming days.
“We are talking to try to see what’s best moving forward.”
A reminder that Tsunoda drives in the Red Bull in the post-season test this week. Perez has been linked with an ambassadorial role at Red Bull for 2025.
F1 2024 prize money
14:00
Jack Rathborn
The projected team prize money after the 2024 season has been reported by Autosport, with Sergio Perez’s lacklustre season likely to cost Red Bull in the region of $18m.
1. McLaren: $140m
2. Ferrari: $131m
3. Red Bull: $122m
4. Mercedes: $113m
5. Aston Martin: $104m
6. Alpine: $95m
7. Haas: $87
8. RB: $78m
9. Williams: $69m
10. Sauber $60m
Lewis Hamilton on hearing ‘hammertime’ for final time from trusted Mercedes colleague
13:30
Jack Rathborn
“I noticed that today,” Hamilton said at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix after hearing ‘Hammertime’ from race engineer Pete ‘Bono’ Bonnington one final time in a Mercedes. “When he told me, I was like ‘I can’t even remember the last time he told me hammertime’.
“I remember I told Bono to say hammertime back in the first year together. I was like, ‘Don’t just tell me to go faster, tell me it’s hammertime and I know what it is’.
“What a rollercoaster ride I’ve had with Bono,” Hamilton added. “He’s been one of my closest friends for many years.
“It’s something I didn’t expect to have because he worked with Michael Schumacher, he’s worked with great drivers and for the longest time he’s stood by me.
"For an engineer to stick by someone, as frustrating and painful as it can sometimes be – he’s stood by me every single day without fail.”
Martin Brundle takes swipe at ‘unfair’ Max Verstappen
13:00
Jack Rathborn
Max Verstappen enjoyed a fine start to the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix but soon got into trouble and was hit with a 10-second penalty after a collision with Oscar Piastri at Turn 1.
And Martin Brundle claims the Red Bull star and four-time world champion was “wholly at fault” for his Turn 1 crash with Oscar Piastri.
The Dutch driver was livid and shouted over his radio: “Could we ask for 20 seconds? Stupid idiots.”
But Brundle too exception, stating on Sky Sports: “You can’t say that, that’s just not fair – they’re applying the regulations,” said the former F1 driver. “You don’t run into other people, then you won’t get the penalties.”
Fernando Alonso jokes he should claim ‘bonus’ after McLaren win Constructors’ title
12:30
Jack Rathborn
Fernando Alonso has joked that he deseres a bonus after helping McLaren win the Constructors’ title.
After spending five years of his 21-year career with McLaren, the Spaniard worked alongside CEO Zak Brown in Woking.
Brown is “a very good friend of mine,” said Alonso, with experience alongside Andrea Stella during their time together at McLaren in 2015, meaning the former world champion has influenced both men on their journey to deliver a title for the papaya.
“Yes,” Alonso said when asked if should be included in the bonus scheme. “I should be part of his bonus.”
Christian Horner drops hint over Sergio Perez future: ‘you can see the importance of two drivers scoring on a regular and collective basis’
12:00
Jack Rathborn
“We’ll sit down and reflect on this season and how we move forward,” Christian Horner says on the decision around Sergio Perez’s future.
“There’s no immediate rush. All the permutations are available to us internally. So I think the first thing is to sit down with Checo and have that conversation now that the season is completed.
“I think you can see the importance of having two drivers scoring on a regular and collective basis in the Constructors’ Championship is crucial.
“Ferrari will be strong with their lineup next year, and McLaren has a strong lineup. Mercedes will have an inexperienced driver in one of their seats. For us, it’s very important that both of our drivers are delivering and there’s not a significant gap.”
Christian Horner provides update ahead of Sergio Perez 2025 decision
11:30
Jack Rathborn
“Obviously, those discussions will happen between Checo [Perez] and the team,” Christian Horner said.
“Now we’ve got the season out of the way, we’ll sit down with him and reflect on the season, and obviously, where it’s gone wrong.
“Collectively, we will work out what is the right and appropriate way forward. Checo has been a great servant of this team.
“Thinking back to this race in 2021 – the contribution that he made, the 2022 and ’23 Constructors’ World Championships, five race victories, second in last year’s Drivers Championship… he’s done an awful lot for this team.”
Isack Hadjar stalls at start in ‘worst moment of my life’ as Gabriel Bortoleto wins F2 title
11:00
Jack Rathborn
Brazilian driver Gabriel Borteleto claimed the 2024 F2 championship at the season finale in Abu Dhabi after title rival Isack Hadjar dramatically stalled at the start.
While Bortoleto cruised into the lead at lights out from second on the grid, French driver Hadjar (starting in third) failed to get off the mark.
Hadjar, who is in contention for an F1 seat at Red Bull’s sister team RB in 2025, was wheeled back into the pits but did manage to get going again. However, he was two laps down in the 33-lap feature race.
Bortoleto, 20, ultimately finished in second place, while Hadjar finished a lap down. Bortoleto becomes the first driver since Oscar Piastri to win F3 and F2 back-to-back.
“Yeah I stalled, I need an explanation, man,” Hadjar said at the start. “I can’t believe all this hard work for that. The worst moment of my life, right now.”
Max Verstappen given F1 ‘community service’ in Rwanda after swearing in press conference
10:30
Jack Rathborn
Max Verstappen will undergo his community service in the capital of Rwanda later this week, as a punishment for swearing.
The Red Bull driver, who claimed his fourth F1 world championship in a row this year, was punished by FIA stewards in Singapore in September for saying his car “was f*****” in a press conference.
The 27-year-old Dutchman was told to he had to “accomplish some work of public interest.”
Details of this have now been revealed, with Verstappen working with junior competitors as part of a grassroots programme in conjunction with the Rwanda Automobile Club.
An FIA statement read: “Verstappen will travel to the FIA Awards Ceremony which takes place as part of the General Assemblies next week in Kigali, Rwanda to collect his fourth consecutive FIA Formula One World Championship trophy.
Lewis Hamilton to test previous version of Ferrari after missing Abu Dhabi test
10:00
Jack Rathborn
“I’m not sure that he needs tons of hours of acclimatisation,” Ferrari team principal Fred Vasseur told Autosport.
Lewis Hamilton is now set to try out a 2022 or 2023 version of the Scuderia’s car after missing the last available option to try out the 2025 version before pre-season Bahrain test next year.
“He is experienced enough to be quick on the first day, or at least very soon. We’ll have one or two TPC days, plus the test in Bahrain, and that will be enough.”
Lewis Hamilton in ‘two minds’ over missing Ferrari run at Abu Dhabi test
09:30
Jack Rathborn
“Look, I know Fred wanted it to happen. For me, I was in two minds,” said Hamilton. “Driving the red car for the first time in Abu Dhabi does not excite me. In a perfect world, you get to drive it, not be seen, and do the first rollout next year.
“When I did raise it, obviously with Toto [Wolff], they had all these plans that I’ve got to go and see some of the sponsors and say their farewells. So I don’t think it was ever going to actually be allowed, even if I had asked to have done it, because I’m contracted to the team until December 31st and that’s totally fine. But it doesn’t bother me again because I wasn’t going to do the test.”
“It’s not what I wanted to do. I told Fred that’s not what I wanted to do. Am I missing out on something? For sure. It definitely delays the process and makes the start of the year harder, but we’ll do our best to recover.”
F1 post-season Abu Dhabi test - who’s driving?
09:05
Jack Rathborn
Each team will have a tyre test allocation and a young driver allocation:
Alpine: Pierre Gasly, Jack Doohan
Aston Martin: Lance Stroll, Felipe Drugovich/Jak Crawford
Ferrari: Charles Leclerc, TBC
Haas: Esteban Ocon, Ryo Hirakawa
McLaren: TBC, Patricio O’Ward
Mercedes: George Russell, Andrea Kimi Antonelli
RB: Liam Lawson, TBC
Red Bull: Yuki Tsunoda, TBC
Sauber: Nico Hulkenberg, Gabriel Bortoleto
Williams: Carlos Sainz, Luke Browning
F1 Abu Dhabi post-season test - Carlos Sainz set to begin Williams chapter
08:41
Jack Rathborn
While the 2024 season is over, F1 will hang around in Abu Dhabi for the post-season test.
It could prove crucial for some drivers, especially the likes of Carlos Sainz who begins a new chapter in his career after linking up with Luke Browning to test the Williams.
Drivers and teams will assemble on Tuesday to experiment around Yas Marina Circuit.
Though Lewis Hamilton will not be present in the Ferrari, that’s because the Briton has committed to a number of farewell procedures and events after an emotional end to his time at Mercedes.
Who could replace Sergio Perez in 2025 F1 seat at Red Bull?
08:00
Kieran Jackson
Sergio Perez looks set to be on the way out from Formula One and Red Bull after a torrid 2024 campaign.
The Mexican’s seat has been shrouded in uncertainty for some time. His poor form means Red Bull are guaranteed to finish third in the constructors’ championship, despite Verstappen’s drivers’ title triumph.
But who is the leading candidate to replace Perez at Red Bull? Will Christian Horner look within the team’s wider ecosystem or further afield on the grid?
The Independent takes a look at the candidates to replace Perez at Red Bull:
Lewis Hamilton receives heartfelt message from Toto Wolff ahead of Ferrari move: ‘You should win’
07:30
Kieran Jackson
Toto Wolff sent a heartfelt message to Lewis Hamilton after the Brit’s final race for Mercedes, saying ahead of his move to Ferrari: “If we can’t win, you should win.”
Hamilton, who started 16th in his final race for the Silver Arrows in Abu Dhabi, surged through the field and with a last-lap overtake on teammate George Russell, the 39-year-old finished just outside the podium in fourth.
Full story below:
Valtteri Bottas on F1 swansong: ‘This year has been the toughest of rides’
07:00
Kieran Jackson
Exclusive interview:
Lewis Hamilton’s farewell at Mercedes ends the greatest era in F1 history – but not in the way you think
05:00
Kieran Jackson
The bemusement reverberated across the paddock. It is difficult not to overemphasise the brutal reaction the cut-throat Formula One circus – whether it be media, ex-drivers or fans – had in September 2012 when, to the astonishment of everyone, Lewis Hamilton decided to leave McLaren for Mercedes.
Even the wishes of his father and manager, Anthony, were ignored. As Jeremy Clarkson put it so tactlessly on a 2012 episode of Top Gear: “Is that not a bit like moving from Manchester United to West Ham?” And sorry Hammers fans – it was not a compliment.
Yet six world championships, 12 years and 84 grand prix victories later, Hamilton’s bold plunge into unchartered waters was his best-ever decision.
Full piece below:
Max Verstappen apologises to Oscar Piastri after Abu Dhabi GP:
03:30
Kieran Jackson
“Launch was good, and then I tried to grab the inside and I quickly realised, once I committed to it, that the gap was closing and I wanted to try and get out of it, because I didn’t want to, naturally, of course, crash with Oscar,” Verstappen explained to media including PlanetF1.com.
“But unfortunately, we still clipped each other – but I already apologised to Oscar.
“It’s not what you want to happen, and especially not with him. He’s a great guy, but it happened. It’s just bit unfortunate.
“Honestly, I don’t want to talk about it. I’m just happy that the season is over. For me, the most important thing that I had to do was just apologise to Oscar, because I have nothing to gain, nothing to lose – I went for it, it didn’t work out.
“Especially also for him, you know that we both spun. It’s not nice. He’s a friend of mine, so I don’t want to have any, like, weird feelings or whatever going into the break.”
WATCH: George Russell’s eight-word takedown of Max Verstappen in furious F1 feud
02:00
Kieran Jackson
Christian Horner hits back at Toto Wolff: ‘I’d rather be a terrier than a wolf’
00:00
Kieran Jackson
Christian Horner has responded to Toto Wolff’s insult amid a feud between their drivers Max Verstappen and George Russell.
The Red Bull Team Principal hit out at the Mercedes driver for being “hysterical” at the Qatar Grand Prix, with Verstappen hit with a one-place demotion on the grid for blocking the Briton during qualifying.
And Wolff was left incensed by the remark and criticism of his driver, hitting back on a fiery Thursday at Yas Marina Circuit to label his colleague “a yapping little terrier”.
But Horner has laughed off the comment and claimed he would rather be a terrier than a wolf.
WATCH: Lewis Hamilton opens up on 'wave' of emotions ahead of final Mercedes race
Sunday 8 December 2024 23:00
Kieran Jackson
What is the 2024 prize money?
Sunday 8 December 2024 22:00
Kieran Jackson
RACE REPORT: Lando Norris holds his nerve to guide McLaren to F1 glory in Abu Dhabi after 26-year wait
Sunday 8 December 2024 21:00
Kieran Jackson
There would be no second chances this time. Lando Norris has been prone to in-race lapses of judgement and concentration in 2024 but here, with a 26-year hoodoo solely in his hands, the Bristolian gave his beloved McLaren a long-awaited F1 constructors’ championship at the season finale.
Norris, pole-sitter and the quickest man all weekend, kept it clean and avoided trouble – where his teammate Oscar Piastri did not – to win the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and seal the teams’ title for the papaya. Ferrari did their best, with Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc both on the podium, but ultimately a 14-point advantage was enough.
Full report below:
Isack Hadjar stalls at start in ‘worst moment of my life’ as Gabriel Bortoleto wins F2 title
Sunday 8 December 2024 19:55
Kieran Jackson
Plenty of drama in the F2 season finale in Abu Dhabi!
Max Verstappen apologises to Oscar Piastri after Abu Dhabi GP:
Sunday 8 December 2024 18:21
Kieran Jackson
“Launch was good, and then I tried to grab the inside and I quickly realised, once I committed to it, that the gap was closing and I wanted to try and get out of it, because I didn’t want to, naturally, of course, crash with Oscar,” Verstappen explained to media including PlanetF1.com.
“But unfortunately, we still clipped each other – but I already apologised to Oscar.
“It’s not what you want to happen, and especially not with him. He’s a great guy, but it happened. It’s just bit unfortunate.
“Honestly, I don’t want to talk about it. I’m just happy that the season is over. For me, the most important thing that I had to do was just apologise to Oscar, because I have nothing to gain, nothing to lose – I went for it, it didn’t work out.
“Especially also for him, you know that we both spun. It’s not nice. He’s a friend of mine, so I don’t want to have any, like, weird feelings or whatever going into the break.”
Lewis Hamilton receives heartfelt message from Toto Wolff ahead of Ferrari move: ‘You should win’
Sunday 8 December 2024 16:56
Kieran Jackson
Toto Wolff sent a heartfelt message to Lewis Hamilton after the Brit’s final race for Mercedes, saying ahead of his move to Ferrari: “If we can’t win, you should win.”
Hamilton, who started 16th in his final race for the Silver Arrows in Abu Dhabi, surged through the field and with a last-lap overtake on teammate George Russell, the 39-year-old finished just outside the podium in fourth.
Full story below:
And here are the final Driver Standings
Sunday 8 December 2024 16:30
Kieran Jackson
1. Max Verstappen - 437 points (champion)
2. Lando Norris - 374 points
3. Charles Leclerc - 356 points
4. Oscar Piastri - 292 points
5. Carlos Sainz - 290 points
6. George Russell - 245 points
7. Lewis Hamilton - 223 points
8. Sergio Perez - 152 points
9. Fernando Alonso - 70 points
10. Pierre Gasly - 42 points
11. Nico Hulkenberg - 41 points
12. Yuki Tsunoda - 30 points
13. Lance Stroll - 24 points
14. Esteban Ocon - 23 points
15. Kevin Magnussen - 16 points
16. Alex Albon - 12 points
17. Daniel Ricciardo - 12 points
18. Ollie Bearman - 7 points
19. Franco Colapinto - 5 points
20. Zhou Guanyu - 4 points
21. Liam Lawson - 4 points
22. Valtteri Bottas - 0 points
23. Logan Sargeant - 0 points
24. Jack Doohan - 0 points
Sainz signs off in style
Sunday 8 December 2024 16:00
Kieran Jackson
Of course, this is Carlos Sainz’s final race with Ferrari as Lewis Hamilton is taking his seat next year.
Sainz, who finished second in the race, said: “Thank you Ferrari. It’s been a pleasure driving for you guys. Forza Ferrari.”
Podium pics!
Sunday 8 December 2024 15:45
Kieran Jackson
Final constructors’ standings!
Sunday 8 December 2024 15:31
Kieran Jackson
1. McLaren - 666 points (champions)
2. Ferrari - 652 points
3. Red Bull Racing - 589 points
4. Mercedes - 468 points
5. Aston Martin - 94 points
6. Alpine - 65 points
7. Haas - 58 points
8. RB - 46 points
9. Williams - 17 points
10. Sauber - 4 points
Lando Norris triumphs in Abu Dhabi
Sunday 8 December 2024 15:23
Kieran Jackson
Lando Norris has tears in his eyes as the British national anthem is played during the podium presentations. He is given the trophy for winning the Grand Prix but the bigger victory is his team securing the Constructors’ Championship.
This is Norris’ fourth win in Formula 1.
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix full results
Sunday 8 December 2024 14:56
Mike Jones
1. Lando Norris (McLaren)
2. Carlos Sainz (McLaren)
3. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
4. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
5. George Russell (Mercedes)
6. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
7. Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
8. Nico Hulkenberg (Haas)
9. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
10. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
11. Alex Albon (Williams)
12. Yuki Tsunoda (RB)
13. Zhou Guanyu (Sauber)
14. Lance Stroll (Aston Martin)
15. Jack Doohan (Alpine)
16. Kevin Magnussen (Haas)
DNF. Liam Lawson (RB)
DNF. Valtteri Bottas (Ssauber)
DNF. Franco Colapinto (Williams)
DNF. Sergio Perez (Red Bull)
Abu Dhabi Grand Prix results
Sunday 8 December 2024 14:43
Mike Jones
Lando Norris triumphs in Abu Dhabi, here’s a look at how the top-10 finished:
1. Lando Norris (McLaren)
2. Carlos Sainz (McLaren)
3. Charles Leclerc (Ferrari)
4. Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes)
5. George Russell (Mercedes)
6. Max Verstappen (Red Bull)
7. Pierre Gasly (Alpine)
8. Nico Hulkenberg (Haas)
9. Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin)
10. Oscar Piastri (McLaren)
Lando Norris reacts to Abu Dhabi win
Sunday 8 December 2024 14:38
Mike Jones
“Papaya on top! Congrats to everyone. Incredible, so proud of you all you all deserve this. Thank you, it’s been a special one. Next year is going to be my year too.”
Lewis Hamilton celebrates final race with Mercedes
Sunday 8 December 2024 14:36
Mike Jones
Lewis Hamilton put in one of the drives of the day. He took his Mercedes from 16th to 4th and celebrates by doing donuts on the grid.
It’s his last race as a Mercedes driver and as he exits the car, the crowd gives a huge cheer and start chanting his name. Toto Wolff has a huge grin on his face.
Lando Norris holds his nerve to guide McLaren to F1 glory in Abu Dhabi after 26-year wait
Sunday 8 December 2024 14:34
Mike Jones
There would be no second chances this time. Lando Norris has been prone to in-race lapses of judgement and concentration in 2024 but here, with a 26-year hoodoo solely in his hands, the Bristolian gave his beloved McLaren a long-awaited constructors’ championship at the season-finale.
Norris, pole-sitter and the quickest man all weekend, kept it clean and avoided trouble – where his teammate Oscar Piastri did not – to win the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix and seal the teams’ title for the papaya. Ferrari did their best, with Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc both on the podium, but ultimately a 13-point advantage was good enough.
The last time McLaren sealed the constructors’ championship, Mika Hakkinen and David Coulthard were the drivers in the cockpit. Both were present here in Abu Dhabi on the broadcast side, as one of F1’s biggest teams ended their long wait.
Lando Norris secures Constructors’ Championship for McLaren
Sunday 8 December 2024 14:33
Mike Jones
Lando Norris’ victory in Abu Dhabi means that McLaren secure the Constructors’ Championship for the first time since 1998.
Over the radio he says: “Thanks everyone, it’s been a special year. Next year is going to be my year too!”
F1 Abu Dhabi GP LIVE: Hamilton overtakes Russell!
Sunday 8 December 2024 14:31
Mike Jones
On the very last lap, with the only opportunity to get DRS, Lewis Hamilton manages to get around the outside of George Russell and cross the line in fourth place!
LANDO NORRIS WINS ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX!
Sunday 8 December 2024 14:30
Mike Jones
After his teammate was taken out on the first lap, Lando Norris got himself into the lead and held off the threat of the two Ferrari’s to stay ahead.
The 25 points he takes home mean McLaren win the constructors’ championship for the first time since 1998!
F1 Abu Dhabi GP LIVE: Can Russell defend against Hamilton?
Sunday 8 December 2024 14:28
Mike Jones
Lap 56/58
Just the two laps left in this race. Lando Norris seems to have everything in hand to claim the constructors’ championship for the first time since 1998 for McLaren.
The battle of the moment is between Mercedes teammates George Russell and Lewis Hamilton. There’s just over a second between them now.
Can Russell hold off Hamilton?
F1 Abu Dhabi GP LIVE: Ferrari need something special
Sunday 8 December 2024 14:25
Mike Jones
Lap 54/58
Charles Leclerc is the current driver of the day but his efforts won’t be enough to secure the constructors’ championship for Ferrari. Lando Norris is very comfortable and Ferrari need some magic from somewhere.
Elsewhere, Lewis Hamilton is under three seconds away from George Russell meaning this could be set up for a crucial last couple of laps.
F1 Abu Dhabi GP LIVE: Puncture for Sainz?
Sunday 8 December 2024 14:22
Mike Jones
Lap 53/58
Carlos Sainz radios back saying he thinks he has a puncture after running over something. His team tell him that there doesn’t seem to be anything wrong.
F1 Abu Dhabi GP LIVE: Piastri desperate for points
Sunday 8 December 2024 14:19
Mike Jones
Lap 50/58
After serving a 10 second penalty and being spun off the track early in the race, Oscar Piastri is desperate to get himself back inside the top 10.
He’s currently 11th and five seconds or so behind Fernando Alonso. It’ll be a tough ask for him but McLaren will take any points he can get them.
F1 Abu Dhabi GP LIVE: Norris comfortable in front
Sunday 8 December 2024 14:17
Mike Jones
Carlos Sainz is two-tenths slower than Lando Norris per lap at present. Ferrari are second and third but they’re struggle with their tyres.
Lewis Hamilton is slowly taking time out of George Russell’s lead in the battle for fourth place. Hamilton is around 12 seconds away from third.
Current top-10
- Lando Norris, McLaren
- Carlos Sainz, Ferrari
- Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
- George Russell, Mercedes
- Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
- Max Verstappen, Red Bull
- Pierre Gasly, Alpine
- Nico Hulkenberg, Haas
- Alex Albon, Williams
- Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin
F1 Abu Dhabi GP LIVE: Sainz’s tyres beginning to wear
Sunday 8 December 2024 14:14
Mike Jones
Lap 48/58
With 10 laps to go, Lando Norris is told that Carlos Sainz’s tyres are beginning to wear away. He has perhaps been pushing too hard to close on Norris.
F1 Abu Dhabi GP LIVE: Ferrari to keep pushing
Sunday 8 December 2024 14:11
Mike Jones
Lap 46/58
Carlos Sainz and Charles Leclerc sit second and third respectively for Ferrari with Leclerc asking if they will win the constructors’ championship in this position.
“No, keep pushing.”
Leclerc is 22 seconds behind Norris.
Just behind him, Hamilton has cut two seconds off the gap to George Russell.
F1 Abu Dhabi GP LIVE: Hamilton stepping it up
Sunday 8 December 2024 14:08
Mike Jones
Lap 43/58
Hamilton reins in Hulkenberg! The Mercedes sweeps past the Haas in pursuit of an unlikely podium finish. He’s less than half a second behind Pierre Gasly who won’t want a prolonged challenge.
After that there’s a big gap to catch up with teammate George Russell. Hamilton does foe Gasly and there’s a good radio conversation between Hamilton and his team.
“How big’s the gap again?” Hamilton asks.
“14 seconds.”
“14 seconds?”
“You can do it.”
Current top-10
- Lando Norris, McLaren
- Carlos Sainz, Ferrari
- Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
- George Russell, Mercedes
- Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
- Pierre Gasly, Alpine
- Nico Hulkenberg, Haas
- Max Verstappen, Red Bull
- Alex Albon, Williams
- Yuki Tsunoda, RB
F1 Abu Dhabi GP LIVE: McLaren considering all possibilities
Sunday 8 December 2024 14:04
Mike Jones
Lap 41/58
McLaren are wondering about all the possibilites of the race. Lando Norris is asked: “Do you think you would pass Sainz on new tyres if he stayed out?”
“I think so, yes.”
That could be a strategy if a safety car comes out. McLaren’s Zak Brown says he’s happy with how the race is developing. Norris is over four and a half seconds ahead.
F1 Abu Dhabi GP LIVE: Hamilton stepping it up
Sunday 8 December 2024 14:01
Mike Jones
Lap 37/58
It’s hammer time! Lewis Hamilton is over one and a half seconds quicker than Nico Hulkenberg ahead of him. A podium place is ambitious but if anyone fancies it it’ll be Hamilton racing for the final time in Mercedes colours.
At the front of the field, Lando Norris is holding Carlos Sainz at bay and as things stand is doing just enough to keep McLaren ahead in the constructors’ championship.
F1 Abu Dhabi GP LIVE: Hamilton switches to mediums
Sunday 8 December 2024 13:57
Mike Jones
Lap 35/58
Lewis Hamilton is told that his team have a cunning plan to help him secure a podium spot. He pits and comes out on the faster medium tyres.
He comes out in seventh place and will need to do some work to get up there.
Current top-10
- Lando Norris, McLaren
- Carlos Sainz, Ferrari
- Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
- George Russell, Mercedes
- Pierre Gasly, Alpine
- Nico Hulkenberg, Haas
- Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
- Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin
- Max Verstappen, Red Bull
- Alex Albon, Williams
F1 Abu Dhabi GP LIVE: Colapinto and Bottas out
Sunday 8 December 2024 13:55
Mike Jones
Franco Colapinto and Valtteri Bottas have both been retired. There’s a few apologies to both men who have raced for the final time in F1, at least for now.
Neither will have a seat for next season.
F1 Abu Dhabi GP LIVE: Verstappen takes his penalty
Sunday 8 December 2024 13:53
Mike Jones
Lap 31/58
Max Verstappen is told to pit and serves his 10-second penalty. He re-enters the race in 11th place and isn’t at all happy about it.
F1 Abu Dhabi GP LIVE: Leclerc gains ground, Russell drops back
Sunday 8 December 2024 13:47
Mike Jones
Lap 28/58
A pit stop from George Russell sees him drop to sixth behind Verstappen, Hamilton and Leclerc. Leclerc is the only one of those three to have taken a pit stop which effectively puts him in third place as Verstappen and Hamilton will both need to switch out their tyres before the end of the race.
Carlos Sainz is a couple of seconds behind Lando Norris. Further back Fernando Alonso is holding up Oscar Piastri as he attempts to get himself back in this race.
F1 Abu Dhabi GP LIVE: Norris emerges in first place
Sunday 8 December 2024 13:45
Mike Jones
Lap 27/58
McLaren send Norris into the pit lane and manage to get him back onto track in first place just ahead of Carlos Sainz. A great move from the McLaren team.
Charles Leclerc is told that Ferrari are moving to plan C, he responds by saying: “That seems optimistic.”
F1 Abu Dhabi GP LIVE: Sainz heads to the pits
Sunday 8 December 2024 13:43
Mike Jones
Lap 26/58
This could be crucial to the outcome of the race as Ferrari call Carlos Sainz into the pits. How will Lando Norris and McLaren respond?
Current top-10
- Lando Norris, McLaren
- Carlos Sainz, Ferrari
- George Russell, Mercedes
- Max Verstappen, Red Bull
- Lewis Hamilton, Mercedes
- Charles Leclerc, Ferrari
- Pierre Gasly, Alpine
- Nico Hulkenberg, Haas
- Fernando Alonso, Aston Martin
- Oscar Piastri, McLaren
F1 Abu Dhabi GP LIVE: Leclerc battling to gain ground
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