Formula 1’s longest-ever season and the Constructors’ Championship will be decided in the final race.

It’s been an extraordinary campaign, a golden year not just for us at McLaren, but F1 in general, with seven different race winners, including maiden victories for Lando and Oscar, who have led us to within a whisker of our first title since 1998.

Inside or outside the walls of the McLaren Technology Centre, few would have expected us to be in such a remarkable position at the start of the season, but it’s credit to the exceptional work of the team to have led us to the cusp of such glory. Whether or not we clinch the Constructors’ Championship this weekend in Abu Dhabi, it’s seasons like this that lure new fans into the sport and reinvigorate regular viewers, reminding them why they tune in every weekend.

We caught up with Lando, Oscar and Andrea Stella to hear from them ahead of the season finale. We’ve also got the thoughts of our Reserve Driver Ryō Hirakawa, who is set to make his competitive F1 debut in Free Practice 1, replacing Oscar in the MCL38, and completing our requirement to run rookies in two Free Practice sessions. And, we’ll guide you through the layout of the Yas Marina Circuit, explain a common F1 phrase and give you some tips for buying presents this holiday season.

“The finale up next, Abu Dhabi. We had a quick car in Qatar, so I’m excited to see what we can do this weekend. I’m focused and ready to give it my all one final time this season and bring home the Constructors’ Championship.

“It’s definitely been a season I’ll never forget, from getting my first win in Miami to being close to winning the Drivers' Championship. The entire team’s done an incredible job of giving us a really fun car to drive this season, and I want to thank everyone for that. Abu Dhabi is always a great place to finish off the season. Now, we need to go out there and finish the job.”

"It’s good to go into the last race of the season with momentum off the back of another podium. It’s now full focus on Abu Dhabi and the Constructors’ Championship.

“We’re in the driving seat but it can all change in an instant, so we need to be at our best and ready for it.” 

Ryo Hirakawa #28

“I am looking forward to getting on track in Abu Dhabi, and I’d like to thank to the team for giving me this opportunity. We've done a couple of TPC tests this year and I’ve attended some race events as a Reserve Driver, so it’s great to take this next step and be able to support Lando, Oscar and the wider team as they set up the car ahead of the final round of the Championship. I'm so excited to drive an F1 car again.”

"After a long but satisfying season, we now head to Abu Dhabi for the final race of 2024. I’m incredibly proud of every single person in the team for their hard work and their commitment to McLaren, which has put the team in the condition to fight for the Formula 1 Constructors’ Championship, something that was unthinkable just 12 months ago.

“I know that Lando and Oscar will be giving it their all, they've both driven a fantastic season. We’re determined to finish the job as a team, it won't be easy, but we will give it everything."

Track insights

The Yas Marina Circuit is a visually stunning setting for a Formula 1 Grand Prix, with the action all taking place under the lights as the sun sets on a circuit that winds around a marina and underneath a hotel.

The unique timing of the race isn’t just for aesthetic reasons, though, it also provides a challenge for teams and drivers, who have to adapt to changing conditions and temperatures, which impacts the balance of the cars and increases the chances of experiencing understeer.

The circuit was also designed with racing in mind. Overtaking is possible throughout the opening half of the circuit, but it’s most achievable on a 1.2km straight between the slow speed Turns 5 and 6.

Designers further sought to increase the possibility for overtaking in 2021 by removing five corners, including the chicane and Turns 11 to 14. As well as making races more competitive, the modifications have created a tricky run from Turn 10 to Turn 12, which requires hard braking, with bags of lateral load still on the car.

The season so far

A strong performance in the Sprint last weekend saw the team secure another one-two finish, and earning maximum points. In the Qatar Grand Prix, Oscar finished third to notch his eighth podium of 2024, whilst Lando recovered from a 10-second stop/go penalty to finish 10th, with an extra point for Fastest Lap.

Those results mean we go into the season finale needing to defend a 21-point advantage over second place, with 44 points on offer.

F1 translations: Box, box

F1 is full of specialist slang and complicated jargon that can stump even the most avid of fans, which is why we’ll be explaining common F1 terminology ahead of each Grand Prix this season. This week, it’s the phrase “box, box”.

When an engineer asks their driver to “box, box”, or more simply, “box”, over team radio, it’s a call for them to come into the pit lane. This could be for a tyre change or a repair, or if its during Free Practice, it could be to make setup changes, review data or to refuel.

The term “box” is short for pit box – the drivers' servicing area – and also for Boxenstopp, which means pit stop in German. It’s regularly used during sessions because it’s considered to be more phonetically distinctive than the word pit, and therefore easier to hear and understand over team radio.

F1 Icebreaker

Stuck for conversation with your F1-loving friends? Spark up a discussion with our F1 icebreaker...

The Abu Dhabi Grand Prix was the first F1 race to take place at sunset.

The fit: Perfect presents

What do you mean you haven’t finished shopping for the holiday season?

Okay, we’ll let you in on a little secret… Us neither. Thankfully, the McLaren Store has us all covered with up to 50% discount across the site, plus an extra 15% with code GIFT15 if you’re really quick. So, whether you want a hoodie, a T-shirt, a cap or a new pair of trainers for your loved ones, we’ve got you covered, with time to spare.

Much better than a last-minute present from the petrol station, ehh?