Lando Norris’s smile couldn’t be contained during the post-race media sessions following his long-awaited Formula One victory. It had been a journey filled with near misses and uncontrollable circumstances, such as the rain and strategy calls, that prevented him from reaching the top spot. Since joining the F1 grid in 2019 at the age of 19, Norris had amassed an impressive record, including one pole position, 15 podium finishes, and over 6,000 laps driven.
As each driver took their turn in the media pen, they all echoed a similar sentiment – it was about time. Fernando Alonso, in particular, predicted that this win would be the first of many for Norris. He expressed his happiness for the young Briton and hoped that he would remember this day as the beginning of a successful career. Max Verstappen also shared his joy for Norris, stating that it had been a long time coming and that this victory would not be his last.
The timing of Norris’s win was crucial for the sport. Red Bull had dominated most of the last 28 grands prix, with only two exceptions where Ferrari’s Carlos Sainz emerged victorious. Verstappen had been largely unchallenged, steadily building a comfortable lead. However, McLaren seized the opportunity to go head-to-head with Red Bull in Miami, utilizing fresh tires and clean air to outperform their formidable opponent.
Norris’s victory was not only celebrated by his fellow drivers but also acknowledged as a significant achievement in an era dominated by a single team and driver. George Russell, from Mercedes, expressed his admiration for Norris’s well-deserved win and highlighted the importance of seeing someone else succeed amidst such dominance. McLaren’s trajectory over the past year had been leading up to this moment, as Oscar Piastri noted, making the victory even more meaningful for the team.
Lewis Hamilton, who also started his F1 career with McLaren, rejoiced in their triumph, stating that the team still held a special place in his heart. The team’s previous win had been with Daniel Ricciardo at the 2021 Italian Grand Prix. The emotional impact of Norris’s victory was palpable, as he jubilantly leaped over the barrier to embrace his McLaren crew members who were equally ecstatic.
Charles Leclerc, from Ferrari, reflected on the shared journey of the drivers as they all aspired to become Formula One drivers. He remembered watching Norris in KF3 and acknowledged the dreams they all had in common. Despite the hate, memes, and nicknames Norris had endured on social media, he found solace in the words of his closest supporters. Norris expressed his gratitude for the praise and support from his competitors, recognizing that their words meant more coming from individuals who understood the dedication and effort required to achieve such success.
In conclusion, Lando Norris’s victory was a long time coming and well-deserved. It marked a significant moment in Formula One, where Red Bull’s dominance was challenged by McLaren’s strategic prowess. The support and admiration from fellow drivers added an extra layer of significance to Norris’s achievement. It was a testament to his perseverance and the hard work of the McLaren team. This victory will undoubtedly be a moment that Norris cherishes for the rest of his career.