2024 World Constructors’ Championship scenarios: What does McLaren and Ferrari need to do to win the title?

The Formula One 2024 season lands at Abu Dhabi this weekend for its final spot of a record-breaking 24-race calendar that witness Max Verstappen claim a fourth consecutive World Drivers’ Championship (WDC).

With the World Constructors’ Championship (WCC) still up for grabs, all eyes will be on two teams, McLaren and Ferrari.

The Woking-based team, which leads the points table, is favourite to win a ninth F1 constructors‘ title at the Abu Dhabi Grand Prix. However, Ferrari is within striking distance and still has a chance.

There are a maximum of 44 points available for a team to score across the remaining round – the squad will need a one-two result, as well as scoring an additional point for setting the fastest lap.

How can McLaren win the constructors’ title?

With a 21-point lead to Ferrari, McLaren can take home its first constructors’ title after 26 years, an accolade it last won in 1998.

Lando Norris during the F1 Grand Prix of Qatar.
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 McLaren needs to score 24 points to guarantee the constructors’ title – or 23 if Ferrari does not win the race. This means a third (15) and fifth (10) place would also be enough.

A solid double-points finish won’t be a difficult task consdiring the performance of its drivers, Lando Norris and Oscar Piastri. The duo ensured that the team has scored points in each of the 23 races.

However, Ferrari will still be in its rear-view mirror as a better result by the scarlet red side could spoil the party.

How can Ferrari win the constructors’ title?

Ferrari, in second place with a 21-point deficit, can sniff an opportunity to win a constructors’ title after 16 years, which it last laid hands on in 2008.

Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz during the F1 Grand Prix of Qatar.
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With 44 points still available, Ferrari needs to score at least 22 points and hope that McLaren fails to score. But realistically, the Italian outfit need to have both cars finish in front

Charles Leclerc outperformed both McLaren rivals at the penultimate round in Qatar but it wasn’t enough to inflict any significant damage on the leader.

The Ferrari drivers will need a solid points haul and hope McLaren drops through the grid to secure the crown. However, all that the McLaren teammates have to do is keep their cars ahead.