Miami, FL – British driver Lando Norris secured his maiden Formula 1 victory at the Miami Grand Prix, defeating reigning champion Max Verstappen by a significant margin of 7 seconds. Norris strategically capitalized on the opportunity to make his pitstop under a safety car period, while his competitors did not, thanks to a collision involving Kevin Magnussen and Logan Sargeant.
Verstappen, who had won the previous two Miami GPs, faced challenges during the race after making his pitstop before the safety car was deployed. A mishap that led to him dislodging a bollard at Turn 15 and struggling with his car’s handling added to his difficulties. Despite his strong track record, this was only the second race in 2024 where Verstappen did not emerge victorious.
Reflecting on his performance, Verstappen acknowledged the tough competition from McLaren, especially Norris, who showcased impressive pace throughout the race. Verstappen acknowledged the strength of McLaren’s updated car and expressed the need for his team to improve their race pace for future events.
Third-place finisher Charles Leclerc of Ferrari also commended Norris for his exceptional performance, highlighting the consistency and skill displayed by the McLaren driver throughout the weekend. Leclerc noted Norris’s deserving victory and recognized the strong performance of McLaren’s car, surpassing expectations in terms of competitiveness.
Overall, Norris’s victory at the Miami Grand Prix marked a significant achievement for the young driver and highlighted the competitive nature of Formula 1 racing. With Verstappen and his rivals facing challenges on the track, the race demonstrated the importance of strategic pitstop decisions and the impact of car performance on race outcomes. As the season progresses, teams like McLaren and Ferrari are expected to continue battling for podium positions, setting the stage for an exciting and unpredictable championship.