McLaren suddenly under pressure for 2024 title after Lando Norris’ shock penalty in Qatar

Lando Norris and McLaren could find themselves in a tough spot against Ferrari for the 2024 Constructors' title at Abu Dhabi.

McLaren suddenly under pressure for 2024 title after Lando Norris’ shock penalty in Qatar

Lando Norris and Charles Leclerc (via IMAGO)

McLaren has had its strongest season in 2024 in over a decade. The Woking-based team seemed set to win the Constructors’ title despite Lando Norris‘ failed drivers’ championship bid. However, things might change following the Qatar GP.

Norris and McLaren had the chance to seal the teams’ title in Lusail past weekend. The British driver even found himself in contention for race victory against Max Verstappen. Unfortunately, Lando Norris was handed a 10-second stop and go penalty for failing to slow down under yellow flags.

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The 25-year-old was devastated as he could only recover to tenth place. As McLaren lost out on bagging the title with one race to go against second-placed Scuderia Ferrari. Now, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri will need to fight tooth and nail to win the championship.

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McLaren cannot afford a disaster in Abu Dhabi

The Abu Dhabi GP is the final race on the 2024 calendar. McLaren heads into the weekend with a lead of 21 points to the Scuderia. On paper, this might seem more than enough for staying at the top of the standings. However, Formula 1 has always been unpredictable.

Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris (via IMAGO)
Oscar Piastri and Lando Norris (via IMAGO)

Lando Norris’ shock penalty in Qatar would serve as a warning to McLaren. The Woking-based squad will now be wary of any such possibilities in the season finale. The British team will need to keep it clean throughout the weekend and ensure they stay in front of the Scuderia.

In Lusail, Charles Leclerc managed to fend off Oscar Piastri for second place. If this trend continues next weekend with Ferrari having a faster car, alarm bells might start ringing at Woking. If the Scuderia manages to bag a 1-2 finish, Norris and Piastri would need to be right behind Maranello to secure the title.

Moreover, McLaren simply can’t have a DNF in Abu Dhabi. If even one of its two cars fail to finish the race, Ferrari might easily bring home its first F1 title since 2008. Though, courtesy of the 21-point lead, it is the British team that will be the favorites this weekend.