(Miami) It took 110 starts for Lando Norris and a mistake from Max Verstappen to see the McLaren driver take his first victory in Formula 1 on Sunday and end Verstappen’s domination at the Miami Grand Prix.
Verstappen, who started from the front and won the sprint race on Saturday, was leading the event when he hit a chicane and moved a cone. This forced the three-time reigning world champion to pit and cede his lead to Norris.
Norris, 24, then gave McLaren a first victory since Daniel Ricciardo in 2021.
“I’m just really proud,” Norris said. Several people, I believe, doubted me along the way. I’ve made a lot of mistakes in my last five years, my short career, but today we put it all together, so this one is for the team. I started with McLaren because I believe in them and today I prove it. »
PHOTO BRIAN SNYDER, REUTERS
Max Verstappen
McLaren now has 13 victories on American soil, first with Ferrari.
Norris finished the race with a lead of 7.6 seconds over Red Bull’s Verstappen.
Norris said he knew coming to the Miami track that he would win.
Finally ! I am so happy. I knew it. I knew it when I showed up this morning. I did it brilliantly.
Lando Norris
McLaren has won a Formula 1, Formula E and IndyCar race in the last two months. Norris is the first driver since Carlos Sainz Jr. to defeat Verstappen this season.
“I’m happy for Lando”
Verstappen was eliminated from the race in Melbourne due to a mechanical problem.
“You win and you lose,” Verstappen said. I think we’re all a little used to it. I’ll take it if second place is a bad day. I’m happy for Lando. It’s been a while, and there will be more. »
Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc was third and Sainz was fourth. Red Bull’s Sergio Perez finished the race fifth.
Lewis Hamilton took sixth place for Mercedes. Red Bull’s junior team saw Yuki Tsunoda finish seventh and Mercedes’ George Russell take eighth.
Fernando Alonso of Aston Martin and Esteban Ocon of Alpine completed the top 10. Quebecer Lance Stroll drove his Aston Martin until 17e position.
Around the halfway point of the race, Logan Sargeant crashed, forcing out the safety car. The Pompano Beach native had to get out of his car and finished last for the second time in a row, at home.