MIAMI GARDENS, Fla. — A smile crept onto Lando Norris’ face during his post-race media session.
His first F1 win has been a long time coming. He has come close several times in the past, only to be thwarted by small mistakes, such as in Qatar in 2023, or events beyond his control, such as rain and operational decisions in Sochi in 2021. . He joined the F1 grid from McLaren in 2019 at the age of 19. The Briton, who is currently in his sixth season heading into the Miami Grand Prix weekend, has secured one pole position, been on the podium 15 times and completed more than 6,000 laps.
When each driver stopped by the media pen for interviews, nearly all touched on the same points. “It’s about time.”
Fernando Alonso predicted that this would be “the first of many wins” for Lando Norris. (Kim Ilman/Getty Images)
Fernando Alonso said: “Well done, Lando.” “This is my first win after so many podiums. I’m really happy for him. I hope he (remembers) this day as it was the first of many wins. ‘ The Aston Martin driver was not the only one to suggest this was not the 24-year-old’s last victory. Max Verstappen said: “I’m very happy for Lando. It’s been a while. And it won’t be his last. He deserved it today.”
The victory came at a key moment for the sport. In the past 28 Grands Prix, Red Bull has led in all but Singapore 2023 and Australia 2024, both won by Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz. Verstappen has been largely unchallenged and has built up pretty decent leads race after race. However, this weekend in Miami, McLaren took advantage of the opportunity it had and defeated Red Bull in a straight battle. When Norris pulled away from Verstappen after the safety car, the question became whether fresh tires and clean air would win against a frighteningly fast car.
“I’m very happy for Lando. It’s been a long time. And it won’t be his last. He deserves it today,” Max Verstappen (left) said about Lando Norris (right) Told. (Giorgio Vieira/AFP)
“He probably deserved to win a race many years ago,” said Mercedes’ George Russell. “And I think for every driver that comes into F1 in this era of one team and one driver dominating, it’s always great to see someone get a chance to win.”
Norris started 16th at last year’s Miami Grand Prix and finished 17th for struggling McLaren, turning his season around in late 2023. This time, McLaren won for the first time in three years. “I’m very happy for (Norris) and the whole team and I think we deserve it,” Oscar Piastri said. Our trajectory over the past 12 months has led us to this moment. ”
Lewis Hamilton recalled his first F1 victory in 2007, also with McLaren. He said the team still has “a big part of my heart” and was happy to see them win again. The Woking-based team’s last F1 win came at the 2021 Italian Grand Prix with Daniel Ricciardo.
Traditionally, drivers have a quick chat with their teams and crew members give them pats on the helmet and back before giving post-race interviews. But Norris jumped over the fence in joy, and the McLaren crew were equally happy to embrace their new race winner. I was overwhelmed with emotion.
A memory that will last a lifetime! 🧡#MiamiGP 🇺🇸 pic.twitter.com/N1t0dc7orD
— McLaren (@McLarenF1) May 5, 2024
“I’m really happy for Lando. We all want to beat each other and come out on top, but it’s always emotional to see one of your competitors having a range of emotions.” Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc said: “We have all grown up together. I remember watching Lando when he was in KF3 and we all had the same dream of becoming F1 drivers one day.”
Hatred of Norris is not uncommon, with memes and nicknames like “Land can’t win” popping up on social media as people discuss his record. But the Briton said words from those closest to him meant more and thanked his rivals for their praise and support. At the parc fermé and in the media pen, various drivers hugged Norris and celebrated a moment that will probably be remembered forever.
“As much as you hate them and want to beat them and don’t care who they are when you put the helmet on, I’ve always had respect for the people I raced against. So if someone comes [to me]Because it always means a little bit more, especially for someone who has accomplished so much,” Norris said. “So Luis, Fernando, Max, Charles, Carlos, every time they come up to you or people say good words to you, I’m very grateful for those things. Because to these people it means something, perhaps not to others.
“These are people who know what it takes to accomplish this kind of thing, the work, the time, the effort that goes into doing something like this.”
(Top photo of Lando Norris and George Russell: Giorgio Vieira/AFP)
