Lando Norris led team-mate Oscar Piastri as McLaren sealed a first-round lockout at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix that put them on the brink of Constructors’ Championship glory.
McLaren were already clear favourites teams title as they entered the season finale 21 points clear of Ferrari, but their position was strengthened considerably as Norris saved his best for last to overtake Piastre.
Ferrari’s hopes were already massively dented when Charles Leclerc’s exit from Q2 (due to a track fault) limited the Monegasque to starting from the back of the grid after a 10-place grid penalty on Friday to get a new battery.
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Charles Leclerc was knocked out in Q2 after overstepping the track at Turn 1 and will start the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix for the last time with a massive 10-point grid penalty.
Carlos Sainz managed to finish third for Ferrari, but the Italian team will need a miracle in Sunday’s race. Sky Sports at 1:00 PM to turn around their deficit.
World champion Max Verstappen looked set to be McLaren’s main challenger for pole position, but lost his form uncharacteristically as he finished fifth on the final flying lap.
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Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff were confused after his lap spun in Q1 in Abu Dhabi, leaving him 18th for Sunday’s Grand Prix.
The Dutchman was surprisingly beaten by Nico Hulkenberg, who secured Haas’ best qualifying result of the season to finish fourth, but Pierre Gasly was an equally impressive sixth for Alpin to set up a thrilling final battle for sixth in the constructors’ standings.
George Russell’s run of two consecutive poles came to an end as he finished seventh, while team-mate Lewis Hamilton had an unlucky early exit in Q1 in his final Mercedes appearance before joining Ferrari after the lock stuck in his car. on the way.
More to follow…
Sky Sports F1 live Abu Dhabi GP schedule
Sunday, December 8
7.10: The third race of the F1 Academy
9.20: F2 feature race
11.30. Grand Prix Sunday. Abu Dhabi GP Rally
13:00 ABU DHABI GRAND PRIX
At 15:00. Checkered flag. Abu Dhabi GP reaction
16:00: Ted’s notebook
*also live on Sky Sports Main Event
Watch the final race of the 2024 Formula 1 season, the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, live on Sky Sports F1 at 1pm on Sunday. Get Sky Sports F1 or stream via NOW
