MOTOSPORTS | Formula One constructors’ battle set to go down to the wire 

Formula One championships include drivers' and constructors' titles, with the latter determining prize money and employee bonuses.

In Formula One, two championships are handed out every year. While the drivers’ title is the most prestigious, the other one awarded to the team with the most points — the constructors’ title — is more significant for the team and its employees.

Though the drivers’ crown has been part of the sport since its inaugural year in 1950, the first constructors’ title was awarded only in 1958.

However, as the sport has grown in terms of fan base and commercial success, the constructors’ title determines the prize money, which forms a crucial portion of a team’s revenue. More importantly, employee bonuses are linked to the team’s performance at the end of the year.

A significant chunk of F1’s prize money is divided among the teams on a sliding scale, with the outfit at the top of the standings earning the highest.

This year, Max Verstappen sealed his fourth straight drivers’ crown in Las Vegas a fortnight ago, but the battle for the constructors’ title remains alive ahead of the finale in Abu Dhabi on Sunday.

McLaren leads Ferrari by 21 points, with 44 points up for grabs on Sunday. A 1-2 finish for a team nets 43 points, plus another one for the fastest lap in the race.

The last time the constructors’ battle was alive till the season’s final race was in 2021 at Abu Dhabi when Mercedes pipped Red Bull.