With a one-two finish in the qualifying round for the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix, McLaren is within reach of the Constructors’ Championship. Lando Norris secured pole position on Saturday, with teammate Oscar Piastri following in second place. The McLaren team, colloquially known as ‘the papayas’, only need to finish ahead of rival Ferrari to claim the championship. While both drivers are eager to win, their primary focus on Sunday will be securing the title.
“It was a lot harder than we thought, but we can be satisfied with a one-two finish,” pole sitter Lando Norris commented after the qualifying round in Abu Dhabi. “During the session, I didn’t have much confidence, but luckily my last lap was very good.” The British driver is now fully focused on tomorrow’s race, especially with McLaren on the verge of the Constructors’ Championship. “We want to beat Ferrari, but we want to do it in style,” he joked. “So, we also want to win tomorrow. The team has done fantastic work and to end the season with a pole position is a great feeling.
‘Defeating Ferrari is the Main Objective’
Oscar Piastri, who has won two Grand Prix this season but has never started from the pole position, was disappointed to once again find himself behind his teammate. “The entire session was much more challenging than the free practices,” said the Australian. “It took us a while to find the right balance. I would have liked to be on pole, so I’m somewhat disappointed with my last lap. Nevertheless, a one-two finish is a fantastic result for the team. We now just need to ensure we win the championship. Both Norris and I really want to win, but defeating Ferrari is now much more important.”
The difference between McLaren and Ferrari is 21 points ahead of the race. This puts McLaren in the best position to crown themselves champions for the first time since 1998. Furthermore, Charles Leclerc will start from the very back due to a grid penalty. If Ferrari still wants to clinch the title, the team must score a one-two finish in Abu Dhabi, with Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri in fourth and fifth place respectively.
