The 2024 Formula 1 season is heading towards a historic finale with a fierce battle for the Constructors’ Championship between McLaren and Ferrari. In the last Qatar Grand Prix, the Woking-based team saw its lead shrink to just 21 points, while Ferrari moved closer to its rival. With 640 accumulated points, McLaren aims to end a 26-year title drought but will face a strategic and determined Ferrari at the Abu Dhabi GP, the season’s final race.
The Qatar Grand Prix was a turning point for McLaren, which had the chance to secure the title with a solid performance. However, Max Verstappen’s victory for Red Bull and Ferrari’s 26-point haul reshaped the competition landscape. The team led by Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri now needs at least 24 points in the final race to clinch the trophy, regardless of Ferrari’s performance.
The decisive race will take place on December 8 at the Yas Marina Circuit in the United Arab Emirates and promises to be a spectacle of strategy and skill between the two teams that defined the season.
How Qatar’s performance influenced the championship
At the Qatar Grand Prix, Ferrari managed to reduce the gap to McLaren thanks to consistent performances from its drivers, while the Woking team failed to maximize its points. The race, won by Verstappen, highlighted the highs and lows of the season, with moments of brilliance and frustration for both teams.
The numbers reveal that Ferrari scored 26 points in Qatar, while McLaren earned 17. This outcome was enough to keep the British team in the lead but made the title fight even tighter. Now, the situation demands perfect execution from both teams at the Abu Dhabi GP, where every point will count.
What McLaren and Ferrari need to win
McLaren, with 640 points, holds the mathematical advantage but needs a strong performance to avoid surprises. A victory by either of its drivers, Lando Norris or Oscar Piastri, would directly secure the title. If neither wins, the team will need to strategically combine podium positions and possibly rely on the extra point for the fastest lap to reach the required 24 points.
Ferrari, with 619 points, must deliver a flawless performance in Abu Dhabi. This means achieving the maximum score of 44 points, including a one-two finish and the fastest lap. Any result below this threshold would give McLaren the chance to stay ahead.
Tiebreaking criteria could decide the championship
In an extreme scenario where McLaren and Ferrari finish tied in points after the final race, FIA’s tiebreaking criteria will come into play. Currently, both teams have five wins this season, but McLaren leads in second-place finishes, with ten compared to Ferrari’s four. This puts the British team in an advantageous position in case of a tie.
Season victories in 2024
The 2024 season has been marked by intense alternation of victories between McLaren and Ferrari. The Woking-based team triumphed at circuits like Hungary, the Netherlands, Azerbaijan, Singapore, and Miami. Conversely, Ferrari shone at home, in Australia, the United States, Mexico, and Monaco. These balanced results highlight how both teams have excelled, making the championship battle even more thrilling.
Expectations for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix
The Yas Marina Circuit, the venue for the final race, is known for its challenging features and strategic possibilities. Historically, the track favors cars with aerodynamic balance, which could benefit both McLaren and Ferrari. The team that best adapts to the conditions and maximizes its drivers’ performance will have the upper hand.
Driver performance and the weight of strategy
Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri have been the cornerstones of McLaren this season, combining consistency and speed to put the team at the top of the championship. Norris, in particular, has demonstrated maturity in decisive moments, while Piastri has emerged as a revelation with performances exceeding expectations.
At Ferrari, Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz have been equally impressive, with a series of podiums and victories that kept the team in contention. The chemistry between the two drivers and Ferrari’s ability to execute precise strategies will be crucial in Abu Dhabi.
Historic and future impact of the decision
If McLaren wins, it will end a 26-year drought without a Constructors’ title, reinforcing its status as one of the greatest teams in Formula 1 history. For Ferrari, a victory would mean a return to the top after years of rebuilding and challenges, cementing its reputation as the sport’s most iconic team.
Additionally, the result will have implications for the 2025 season, affecting car development and internal team dynamics. A 2024 championship victory could serve as a springboard for future dominance, making this decision even more significant.
Season statistics
- McLaren leads with 640 points, followed by Ferrari with 619.
- Both teams have five wins this season.
- McLaren has ten second-place finishes, while Ferrari has four.
- The Abu Dhabi GP will be the 22nd race of the 2024 calendar.
Possible scenarios for the championship
- McLaren secures the title if it scores 24 points or more in Abu Dhabi.
- Ferrari needs the maximum score (44 points) to surpass its rival.
- In case of a tie, the number of wins and second-place finishes will decide the champion.