McLaren set UNBEATABLE F1 record at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix.....

McLaren set UNBEATABLE F1 record at Abu Dhabi Grand Prix…read more

McLaren set an unprecedented and unbeatable record at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, securing their first Constructors’ Championship since 1998. The victory, led by Lando Norris, marked a historic achievement for the Woking-based team, clinching the title on the final race of the season at Yas Marina Circuit.

The 2024 season had been a closely contested battle between McLaren and Ferrari, with the Scuderia pushing McLaren to the very end. However, Ferrari’s title hopes were all but dashed after Charles Leclerc received a 10-place grid penalty for an engine-related issue, and a deleted lap time further hindered his qualifying position. As a result, Leclerc started from the back of the grid, making it almost impossible for Ferrari to catch up with McLaren in the standings. While McLaren’s other driver, Oscar Piastri, faced a setback after an early incident in the race that saw him fall down the order, he managed to recover and finish in 10th place, adding crucial points to the team’s tally.

Norris, meanwhile, was in top form, leading the race and delivering a flawless performance to secure victory. The combination of Norris’ win and Piastri’s consistent finish was enough to seal the Constructors’ Championship for McLaren, ensuring they would finish the season ahead of Ferrari in the standings.

However, McLaren’s triumph in Abu Dhabi went beyond just winning the title. The race also saw them set a remarkable record that is unlikely to ever be broken in Formula 1 history. McLaren became the first team to finish an entire F1 season without any classified Did Not Finishes (DNFs). This is a feat that has never been achieved before in the sport, and it serves as a testament to the reliability of McLaren’s car and the team’s exceptional performance throughout the year.

This record is particularly impressive given the challenges faced during the 2024 season, which featured a record 24 races. F1’s demanding calendar, with its grueling travel schedules and complex race conditions, typically puts immense strain on both the drivers and the cars. For a team to complete every race without a single classified DNF is a remarkable achievement and highlights the incredible reliability of McLaren’s machines in 2024.

Despite some controversy surrounding Norris’ involvement in a collision with Max Verstappen at the Austrian Grand Prix, which damaged his car and jeopardized his championship bid, McLaren’s flawless record stands. Although Norris did not complete every lap of that race, he was officially classified as “+7 laps” due to F1’s rule that allows drivers to be classified if they complete 90% of the race distance. This meant Norris was still considered to have finished, rather than being marked as a DNF, which allowed McLaren to maintain their perfect record.

While other teams may be able to match McLaren’s feat of a season without a DNF in the future, the record itself remains unbreakable because it is the first of its kind. McLaren’s name will forever be etched in F1 history as the first team to achieve this extraordinary milestone.

The 2024 season also showcased a marked improvement in the overall reliability of F1 cars. Despite the record number of races, many teams, including McLaren, benefitted from advancements in technology and engineering, ensuring that fewer mechanical failures and race retirements occurred. This reliability is expected to continue evolving in future seasons, although McLaren’s achievement will always stand as the benchmark.

Looking ahead, McLaren is already focused on defending their Constructors’ Championship title in the 2025 season. The team has set its sights not only on securing another Constructors’ crown but also on challenging for the Drivers’ Championship, with Norris and Piastri poised to be key contenders. McLaren’s historic win in Abu Dhabi and their flawless season has firmly established them as a formidable force in Formula 1, and they are eager to continue their success in the upcoming seasons.

In conclusion, McLaren’s performance at the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was more than just a race victory—it was the culmination of a flawless season that saw them create a record that will stand the test of time. With their eyes set on the future, McLaren is poised to build on this success and cement their place as one of the most dominant teams in Formula 1 history.