The Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix was unexpectedly won by Lando Norris from McLaren and recorded the first triumph of his career. The 24-year-old Brit beat reigning champion Max Verstappen from Red Bull by more than seven seconds, while Charles Leclerc from Ferrari finished third. Three-time world champion Verstappen did not follow up on his previous two triumphs in Miami, but still increased his lead in the series.
Starting from fifth place, Norris won his first triumph in his 110th start in the World Championship. So far, he had 15 podium finishes. Norris was helped by a later pit stop and a lap 28 crash involving Kevin Magnussen and Logan Sargeant. After it, he used the safety car exit to change tires and stayed in the lead until the end.
“I love you all. Thank you very much,” Norris rejoiced on the radio after reaching the finish line. The McLaren team celebrated a triumph in F1 after almost three years. Daniel Ricciardo last won the Italian Grand Prix in 2021.
Twenty-six-year-old Verstappen did not repeat the previous triumphs in Miami in practice, sprint qualifying, separately scored sprint and qualifying. He did not win the second of the six races this year, having previously failed in Australia, where he withdrew due to technical problems. “Lando was absolutely flying today. He deserved it,” he said.
Verstappen, who was supported in the background by the singer Ed Sheeran during the weekend, kept the lead after the start. Oscar Piastri from McLaren moved to third place behind Leclerc, Sergio Pérez dropped to fifth place. The Australian Piastri had an excellent pace and overtook Leclerc in the fourth lap.
On the 22nd lap, the leader Verstappen made a mistake, went off the track and knocked down one of the bollards. The race management momentarily introduced the virtual safety car mode. Two laps later the Red Bull driver pitted for new tyres, followed later by Piastri and Sainz. Norris got the lead.
The key moment came on lap 28, when Magnussen and Sargeant crashed and a speed car came onto the track. Norris made the pit stop and stayed in the lead ahead of Verstappen and Leclerc.
The native of Bristol kept the lead even after the restart and on fresher tires he was pulling away from Verstappen. In addition, the Dutchman complained about the worse handling of the car.
Seventeen laps before the end, Piastri lost a good result. The 23-year-old Australian damaged his front wing after the fight with Sainz, Pérez and Hamilton got in front of him and had to pit. He eventually finished thirteenth.
The World Championship continues in two weeks with the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix.
Tags: Surprise Miami Norris celebrates career win Verstappen
