Norris determined to see McLaren seal title ‘in style’ in Abu Dhabi

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Abu Dhabi Grand Prix poleman Lando Norris says he’s determined to offer McLaren the Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship title “in style” by winning Sunday’s season finale at Yas Marina.

With Norris on pole and teammate Oscar Piastri alongside him on the grid, team papaya has established itself as the clear favorite to cement the 2024 title, especially has Ferrari will only have one driver – Carlos Sainz – starting the race among the top ten.

But rather than taking a cautious approach and simply managing its rival’s challenge, Norris emphasized the team’s intent to dominate the finale.

“We've got to beat Ferrari, that's the aim, but we want to do it in style, and we want to win,” the Briton said after dominating Saturday’s qualifying shootout.

“I want to win, so we know what we have to do. But we're keeping our heads down. We're staying focused, but we're here to win every race possible, and tomorrow we're going to have a good chance at least with one of our cars.

2024 Abu Dhabi GP - Qualifying results

“We'll be giving it everything we got, but knowing in the back of our minds what we really have to do to achieve our big goals.

“I'm very happy. The team have done an incredible job, so a big thanks to them. And yeah, it is always a nice qualifying to end the year.”

Piastri, who will start second on the grid, echoed Norris’ confidence but stressed that the championship remains the priority.

“I think we'll do whatever we can to make sure we win the championship, and that's by far the biggest goal tomorrow,” said Piastri.

“I'm sure we'd both love to win the race, but I'm sure everyone would love to win the championship even more. So we'll make sure that happens and have some fun tomorrow.”

Despite McLaren’s commanding performance throughout the weekend, both drivers admitted that qualifying posed unexpected challenges.

“[It was a] perfect day for us, probably a little bit tougher than we were hoping for,” said Norris.

“We've been very quick all weekend, so we're pleased with the 1-2, but it was just a bit trickier than what we would have liked. But my lap in the end was strong and just how we wanted it to end.”

Piastri added: “It was a bit trickier today compared to last night. I think we took a while to find our feet in qualifying, but we got there in the end. And yeah, great result for the team.”

A victory on Sunday would not only cap a remarkable season for McLaren but also underline its resurgence as a top team in Formula 1.

With Ferrari’s Sainz starting third, McLaren’s immediate goal will be to hold its positions and fend off any challenges from its rivals.

For Norris, however, winning the race is about more than just securing the championship – it’s about doing it in a way that showcases McLaren’s dominance.

“We’re here to win,” Norris reiterated, making clear that McLaren has no plans to settle for anything less than a triumphant finish.

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Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.