2024 F1 title permutations: What do McLaren need to do to win the 2024 constructors’ championship in Abu Dhabi?

The 2024 drivers’ championship might have been wrapped up by Max Verstappen in Las Vegas, but the constructors’ crown remains up for grabs heading into the final round of the season.

Following the Sprint in Qatar, McLaren bolstered their tally at the top of the standings, extending their lead over Ferrari to 30 points. But after the Grand Prix, Ferrari managed to cut that deficit down to 21 points – helped by Lando Norris' late penalty that dropped him from second to 10th place.

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So what would each team need to do in order to win the constructors’ championship during the weekend in Abu Dhabi? We’ve rounded up the answers below…

How many points are left in the constructors’ championship?

There are a maximum of 44 points available for a team to score across the remaining round of the championship. To achieve this, the squad in question would need to end the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix with a one-two result, as well as scoring an additional point for setting the fastest lap.

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How can McLaren win the title in Abu Dhabi?

With a 21 point lead over Ferrari, McLaren need to score 24 points to guarantee the constructors' title - or 23 if Ferrari do not win the race. A Grand Prix victory would be enough for the Woking based team, as that is worth 25 points.

Picking up 24 points could be achieved in a number of ways if they didn't win the race. Second place and seventh would be enough, as would third place and fifth.

If Ferrari finish down the order, McLaren could win by scoring less than 24 points.

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What do Ferrari need to do to beat McLaren to the title?

Despite Charles Leclerc finishing ahead of both McLarens in Qatar, Ferrari didn't manage to inflict a huge dent in McLaren's lead. The gap stands at 21 points heading into the final round of the season in favour of the papaya team.

With 44 points still available, Ferrari need to score at least 22 points and hope that McLaren fail to score. If McLaren do pick up points, Ferrari would realistically need to have both cars finish in front and hope their rivals suffer some issues.

In the ideal situation where Ferrari took the 1-2 and the bonus point, a podium for McLaren would still require the team to have their second car earn nine points. That means if the second papaya machine finishes in fourth or fifth they take the crown.

A sixth-placed result for the second McLaren would see Ferrari take the title (with the Scuderia having more wins in this scenario), whereas any lower it would be a mathematical victory for Fred Vasseur's squad.

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA - NOVEMBER 23: 2024 F1 World Drivers Champion Max Verstappen of the Netherlands — Verstappen has already sealed the drivers' championship, but Red Bull's chances of claiming the constructors' appear a little more distant

What happened to Red Bull?

Red Bull can no longer win the constructors' title, despite taking the victory in Qatar. Max Verstappen claimed 25 points, but Sergio Perez failed to score for the Bulls.

That leaves them on 581 points, 59 behind McLaren with only 44 points left on the table. Red Bull could overhaul Ferrari for second though, but given they are 38 points behind they would need the win and a podium, whilst hoping both Ferraris fail to score.

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However, Red Bull could very much still influence the constructors' in other ways. If they win in Abu Dhabi and take 25 points off the table, that would leave a maximum of 34 available. And given McLaren's sizeable lead, then the papaya team would only need to score 13 points – the equivalent of fifth and eighth.