Breaking: Lewis Hamilton's Ferrari dream is OVER' - Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Hot Takes...

Hamilton’s Ferrari dream is OVER’ – Abu Dhabi Grand Prix Hot Takes

McLaren celebrated a triumphant conclusion to the 2024 Formula 1 season with Lando Norris securing victory at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, as the team finally clinched the constructors’ championship. It was a hard-fought season, with Ferrari giving them a run for their money towards the end. However, a deleted lap time for Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc ultimately handed the title to McLaren, bringing joy to the Woking-based team.

The race itself was packed with drama right from the start. Max Verstappen, who had already sealed the drivers’ championship earlier in the season, collided with McLaren’s Oscar Piastri on the opening lap. The incident resulted in a 10-second penalty for Verstappen, a decision he was visibly frustrated with despite the stewards finding him at fault. The collision also hampered Piastri’s race, though both drivers managed to continue. Verstappen, while unhappy, finished sixth, salvaging what he could from the penalty.

Red Bull’s misfortunes didn’t stop there. Sergio Perez, Verstappen’s teammate, had an even worse race, spinning out on the first lap and retiring shortly afterward. It was a disappointing end to the season for Perez, who had hoped to make a stronger statement in the final race.

Meanwhile, Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc delivered a standout performance, despite starting from the back of the grid due to a penalty from qualifying. Leclerc managed to climb his way through the pack and secure a podium finish in third place, marking an impressive recovery. His efforts were one of the highlights of the day, even as his team fell short of the constructors’ title.

As the 2024 season wrapped up, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix also offered a glimpse into the upcoming Ferrari pairing of Leclerc and Lewis Hamilton. Hamilton, who is set to join Ferrari in 2025 after his departure from Mercedes, had a similar race to Leclerc, fighting from the back of the field to finish fourth. The two drivers showed their class and tenacity, providing fans with a preview of what could be an intriguing rivalry at Ferrari next season.

Dan Ripley, Deputy Editor at GPFans, weighed in with his hot takes from the race. He noted that McLaren finally got the title they had been working towards, while Hamilton managed to leave Mercedes on a relative high after a strong showing. Ripley also pointed out Verstappen’s frustration, as the Dutch driver continued to voice his displeasure over various incidents during the race.

However, Ripley’s main takeaway was about the future dynamics at Ferrari, where Hamilton and Leclerc will be teammates in 2025. Both drivers demonstrated their skill and determination in Abu Dhabi, with Leclerc’s P3 finish being particularly impressive. Ripley suggested that Leclerc could quickly establish himself as the superior driver, potentially cutting short any “honeymoon period” that Hamilton might expect at Ferrari. Based on this evidence, Leclerc could pose a serious challenge to Hamilton, who will have to adapt quickly to his new environment.

As the 2024 Formula 1 season comes to a close, attention now shifts to 2025. With McLaren returning to the top of the constructors’ standings and new driver pairings like Hamilton and Leclerc at Ferrari, the next season promises to be just as exciting, if not more so, than the one that just ended.