Austin, Texas: McLaren’s Lando Norris secured his first win in the Formula 1 Miami GP, beating Max Verstappen by 7 seconds after making a strategic pitstop under a safety car. The move gave Norris an advantage over his rivals, who did not pit during the safety car period caused by a clash between Kevin Magnussen and Logan Sargeant.

Verstappen, who had won the previous two Miami GPs, had already completed his pitstop before the safety car was deployed. He encountered difficulties during the race, including hitting and dislodging a bollard at Turn 15, which led to a virtual safety car. Verstappen acknowledged his challenges with car handling, particularly after his pitstop when he noticed the impressive lap times set by McLaren.

The race marked only the second time in 2024 that Verstappen was beaten, with his retirement from the Australian GP due to a brake issue being the first instance. Despite the loss, Verstappen remained sportsmanlike, stating, “You win, you lose,” and expressing happiness for Norris on his victory.

Reflecting on McLaren’s pace, Verstappen admitted that the team’s upgrade seemed to be working well, indicating that Red Bull Racing had work to do to catch up. Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc, who finished third behind Verstappen, also praised Norris for his exceptional performance throughout the weekend.

Leclerc commended Norris for his consistent strong showings, noting that the McLaren driver’s victory was well-deserved after coming close on multiple occasions. The Ferrari driver acknowledged that they anticipated McLaren to be strong but were surprised by the level of performance Norris displayed during the race.

Overall, Norris’s victory in the Miami GP marked a significant achievement for him and McLaren, showcasing their competitiveness and potential in the Formula 1 championship. Verstappen and Leclerc’s praise for Norris highlighted the young driver’s talent and the bright future ahead for him in the sport.