Formula One: Lando Unleashed! Norris Takes First Career Win at Miami Grand Prix

Photo byF1.com

He did it! On his 110th try, Lando Norris gets his first Formula One win. That’s right. Lando Norris is a Formula 1 Grand Prix winner.

He was close several times over the last few years. Lando had the lead at Sochi, then experienced a soul-crushing moment in heavy rain when he decided not to box for more suitable tires.

Photo byF1.com

A gamble that didn’t pay off as car 4 slipped out of the lead, eventually pitting and finishing a distant P7.

I’m just really proud. A lot of people, I guess, doubted me along the way. I’ve made many mistakes over the last five years, my short career, but today, we put it all together, so this is all for the team. I started with McLaren because I believe in them, and today proved precisely that.- Norris commented at the post-race press conference.

Adding to fifteen previous podium appearances, Norris was emotional as he climbed the podium’s top step, taking P1 at the 2024 Miami GP earlier today. Joining him were Max Verstappen P2, Charles Leclerc P3.

The Norris win broke Verstappen’s six-race winning streak. A pivotal crash midway through the race altered the events, giving McLaren a golden opportunity to capitalize during a safety car period. Norris strategically pitted and re-emerged in the lead, leaving his Dutch rival trailing in his wake.

Despite Verstappen’s relentless pursuit, Norris, a picture of composure, skillfully navigated his McLaren to victory as the Red Bull failed to mount a significant challenge. In the newly upgraded McLaren, Norris calmly drove away from Max Verstappen over the race’s second half to take the win in Sunday’s Miami Grand Prix.

“About time!” Norris smiled afterwards. “What a race. It’s been a long time coming, but finally I’ve managed to do it. I’m so happy for my whole team, I finally delivered for them. A long day, tough race, but finally on top, so I’m over the moon.”

Norris took over the race lead when Magnussen and Sergeant collided in the first sector.

The safety car allowed Norris to make his only pit stop of the day and stay ahead of everyone else when he left the pit lane. But his win wasn’t solely due to the safety car either.

Norris pulled a second ahead of Verstappen a lap after the restart and then drove away from the three-time defending world champion over the final 24 laps of the 57-lap race, winning by some seven seconds.

On a personal note, I have been watching Formula One, IMSA, Nascar, and Indy cars since the early 70s. I have been rooting for McLaren and Lando since he came up through the ranks. Congratulations to Lando and all who have supported him on his journey to the podium's top step.

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