Zak Brown and Lando Norris celebrate File Photo Zak Brown and Lando Norris celebrate File Photo

McLaren chief executive Zak Brown lauded Lando Norris' "flawless" drive at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. (More Sports News)

Norris led from pole on Sunday, and his won ensured McLaren triumphed in the Formula One Constructors' Championship for the first time since 1998.

McLaren needed Norris to keep his cool under pressure from Carlos Sainz, who finished second in his final race for Ferrari.

Sainz's team-mate Charles Leclerc, meanwhile, charged up from 19th to finish third, while Norris' fellow McLaren driver Oscar Piastri did well to finish in the points following a collision with Max Verstappen on the first corner.

Yet Norris' win was enough to see McLaren finish 14 points clear of Ferrari in the final standings.

"That was the worst two hours of my life, by far," Brown told Sky Sports.

"Lando drove brilliantly. Unfortunate what happened to Oscar at the start, but the team was flawless. They executed the pit stop great.  I think I was the only one who was ready to have a heart attack for about two hours.

"That race, [Lando] carried us. To not make any mistakes, and we were worried about safety cars, I was worried about everything, and he drove flawlessly.

"So next, try to repeat the constructors' and get the drivers'. I'll let Oscar and Lando figure that one out."

WEEEEEE ARE THE CHAMPIONSSSSSS! #ThisTeam pic.twitter.com/RMJh8WHClN

— McLaren (@McLarenF1) December 8, 2024

Norris, who finished second in the driver standings behind Verstappen, declared on the team's radio that next season would be his year, and Brown sees no reason why the Briton cannot clinch the title in 2025.

"He's going to give it all he's got, and given the momentum he's on, I wouldn't bet against him," said Brown.

Speaking at the post-race presentation, Norris said: "It feels incredible. Not for myself but for the whole team. They have done an amazing job from where we were at the beginning.

"I'm so proud of everyone. It's been a lovely journey. To end the season like this is perfect.

"For us to win the Constructors' Championship after 26 years is pretty special. We are going to celebrate. This is a historic moment for the team. It's going to be a good night!"

Piastri, who like Norris was not even born when McLaren last won the Constructors' Championship, also had to deal with a time penalty after he clipped Franco Colapinto in a chaotic opening to the race.

The Australian drove brilliantly to finish in the top 10, though, and revealed that Verstappen subsequently apologised for the early collision that threatened to derail McLaren's hopes.

"It was a pretty miserable race but the biggest thing today was we clinched the championship," he said.

"It's a massive credit to everyone at McLaren for what they have achieved this year. Couldn't be prouder of them all. 

"Very, very happy with the year's work. Nice to seal the deal.

"[Verstappen] came and apologised straight away and the stewards deemed it was a penalty.

"We go again next year. Obviously it was a tough race from then on, but againcasino sign up bonus no deposit, we achieved our main target and that's what matters."

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