The 2023 Formula 1 season came to a close in spectacular fashion at the Yas Marina Circuit in Abu Dhabi, with McLaren securing the constructors’ championship in a dominant display. Lando Norris took the chequered flag, marking his third victory of the season and capping off an incredible year for the Woking-based outfit.
As the lights went out, Norris got off to a blistering start from pole position, with teammate Oscar Piastri slotting into second place. The McLaren duo quickly pulled away from the rest of the pack, with Norris setting a scorching pace that left the competition in their wake.
Behind the McLarens, a fierce battle raged for the final podium spot, with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc eventually emerging victorious. Leclerc’s third-place finish was a bittersweet end to the season for Ferrari, who ultimately fell short in their quest for the constructors’ title.
For McLaren, however, the result marked a return to the top of the podium in the constructors’ championship for the first time in 25 years. The team’s last constructors’ title came in 1998, when Mika Häkkinen and David Coulthard formed a formidable driver pairing.
McLaren’s success this season has been built on a combination of Norris’ exceptional driving and the team’s impressive technical prowess. The MCL60 has proven to be a formidable package, with Norris consistently challenging for victories and Piastri regularly scoring points.
Speaking after the race, Norris praised his team for their hard work and dedication throughout the season. “It’s an incredible feeling to win the constructors’ championship,” he said. “I’m so proud of every single person in the team for their efforts this year. We’ve worked so hard to get to this point, and it’s amazing to be able to reward them with this result.”
McLaren Team Principal, Zak Brown, echoed Norris’ sentiments, saying: “This is a truly special moment for everyone at McLaren. We’ve come a long way as a team, and to be standing here as constructors’ champions is a testament to the hard work and commitment of every single person in the organisation.”
As the season drew to a close, the Formula 1 paddock paid tribute to McLaren’s achievement. Ferrari Team Principal, Frederic Vasseur, was among the first to congratulate Brown and his team, saying: “McLaren have done an incredible job this season, and they thoroughly deserve their constructors’ championship. We’ll be back stronger next year, but for now, we can only congratulate Zak and his team on their achievement.”
With the 2023 season now at a close, attention turns to next year’s campaign, which promises to be just as thrilling. McLaren will undoubtedly be among the favourites to challenge for the constructors’ title once again, with Norris and Piastri forming a potent driver pairing.
For now, however, the team can bask in the glory of their championship success, celebrating a remarkable achievement that will go down in the history books as one of the greatest comeback stories in Formula 1 history.
