The 24-year-old Brit was finally able to celebrate his first Grand Prix victory in the premier class of motorsport. World champion Max Verstappen had to struggle with grip problems, but still finished on the podium in second place.
There was a big surprise at the Miami Grand Prix on Sunday. Thanks to a safety car phase, McLaren driver Lando Norris celebrated his first Formula 1 victory in the 110th race. Curious: The safety car initially incorrectly slowed down Verstappen, which also benefited Norris. The 24-year-old Brit finally crossed the finish line with a lead of around eight seconds, ahead of Verstappen, who complained about too little grip, and Charles Leclerc in the Ferrari. “I’m so happy. We did it,” Norris cheered on the radio after crossing the finish line. “Thank you, mom, thank you, dad. This victory is for my grandma.” Immediately after crossing the finish line, world champions Lewis Hamilton, Fernando Alonso and Verstappen congratulated the new winning face in Formula 1. Former teammates Carlos Sainz and Daniel Ricciardo also warmed the young Brit, who had to fight back tears and celebrated extensively with his team.
Donald Trump caused a stir
Immediately before the Grand Prix on Sunday, US presidential candidate and former President Donald Trump appeared in the McLaren pits. The British racing team was then forced to issue the following statement: “McLaren is a non-political organization, but we recognize and respect the office of President of the United States. That is why we accepted the request to visit our garage on race day.”
Verstappen claims World Cup lead
Sergio Pérez (Red Bull), Carlos Sainz (Ferrari), Lewis Hamilton (Mercedes), Yuki Tsunoda (Racing Bulls), George Russell (Mercedes), Fernando Alonso (Aston Martin) and Esteban Ocon (Alpine) completed the top 10 and took home thus World Cup points. Sainz actually crossed the finish line in fifth place, but subsequently received a five-second penalty for a collision with Oscar Piastri, which cost him a place. Verstappen is still in the lead in the World Championship standings after six of 24 race weekends. His lead over Pérez is 33 points, Leclerc is 38 points behind.