Janice R. Andrews
The 2024 Formula 1 season is set for a thrilling finale as two iconic teams, Ferrari and McLaren, face off for the constructors’ championship. With Abu Dhabi’s Yas Marina Circuit hosting the decisive race, McLaren holds a 21-point lead over Ferrari. Red Bull, the reigning champions, is out of the running this year, leaving the stage clear for one of F1’s most historic rivalries to take center stage.
McLaren’s Chance to End the Wait
McLaren’s last constructors’ championship win dates back to 1998, when Mika Häkkinen also claimed his first drivers’ title. This year, the team has a golden opportunity to break that 26-year dry spell. With Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri leading the charge, McLaren has displayed remarkable consistency and performance throughout the season.
For McLaren to clinch the title, they need to secure 24 points between Norris and Piastri to ensure a 45-point lead that Ferrari cannot surpass. A race win from either driver would guarantee the championship, but other scenarios, like a second and seventh-place finish or third and fifth, could also seal the deal—even if Ferrari secures a 1-2 finish with the fastest lap.
Reliability has been McLaren’s strong suit this season, a critical factor heading into the finale. As long as both cars finish in the points, Ferrari’s chances will diminish significantly.
Ferrari: Chasing a Long Shot
Ferrari last won the constructors’ championship in 2008, ending that season with a hard-fought victory against McLaren. This year, their path to the title is much steeper, relying heavily on McLaren faltering.
If McLaren fails to score any points, Ferrari would need just 22 to claim the championship—a win or a combination of second and eighth-place finishes by Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz would suffice. However, if McLaren scores even modest points, Ferrari’s hopes will fade quickly.
In a rare scenario, Ferrari could win with a 1-2 finish plus the fastest lap if McLaren finishes third and sixth. This would tie the two teams on points, but Ferrari would win on countback due to a higher number of race victories this season. It’s a slim chance, but not entirely impossible in the unpredictable world of Formula 1.
Abu Dhabi Circuit: Favoring McLaren
The Yas Marina Circuit, known for its medium-speed corners and long straights, is expected to favor McLaren. Throughout the season, the team has excelled on tracks with similar characteristics, giving them a strategic advantage heading into the final race.
Ferrari, while competitive, would need everything to align perfectly to capitalize on any McLaren missteps. Leclerc’s strong performances since the summer break provide a glimmer of hope, but the odds remain stacked against them.
The Unpredictable Element
Adding to the drama, Max Verstappen and George Russell could play spoiler roles. Verstappen, despite already securing the drivers’ championship, has continued to dominate races, with recent wins in Qatar and Las Vegas. His presence at the front could disrupt the race order and complicate Ferrari’s and McLaren’s plans.
Mercedes and Russell, too, remain competitive and could influence the outcome by challenging for podium spots. These external factors add an unpredictable twist to an already intense title fight.
A Renewed Rivalry
The McLaren-Ferrari rivalry is one of the most storied in Formula 1 history. From legendary duels between Ayrton Senna and Alain Prost to battles involving Michael Schumacher and Mika Häkkinen, these teams have been at the heart of the sport’s most iconic moments. This weekend, they reignite that rivalry, with both teams aiming to end years of frustration.
A win for McLaren would symbolize the culmination of years of rebuilding and a return to glory. For Ferrari, it would mark a resurgence after several seasons of near misses. The stakes couldn’t be higher for either team.
Who Will Come Out on Top?
While Ferrari has shown promising form lately, especially with Leclerc outperforming even champion Verstappen since the summer break, McLaren’s consistency and the circuit’s characteristics favor them. Norris and Piastri have demonstrated their ability to deliver under pressure, making McLaren the favorites.
However, Formula 1 is known for its unpredictability. A mechanical failure, a collision, or a strategic error could dramatically alter the outcome. As the legendary Murray Walker once said, “Anything can happen in Formula 1, and it usually does.”
One thing is certain: the 2024 Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be an unmissable spectacle. As McLaren and Ferrari battle for the ultimate prize, fans worldwide will witness the climax of one of the most exciting seasons in recent memory.
