The Miami Grand Prix, with its glamorous atmosphere and high-end glitz, lived up to the hype, thanks to a thrilling Formula One race where Britain’s Lando Norris achieved his first victory. This was a long-awaited moment for Norris, who proved he can compete with the best, even outshining the formidable world champion, Max Verstappen.
The event, often compared to the Super Bowl for its lavishness, attracted a lively crowd of fans enjoying the Miami sunshine. Norris’s exceptional performance during the race showcased his talent and resilience, especially during the last 24 laps, where Verstappen loomed large in his rearview mirrors.
Norris’s victory marked a significant milestone. The 24-year-old driver from Glastonbury claimed his first win after 110 grand prix races, having made his debut at the Australian Grand Prix in 2019. Despite coming close in the past with eight second-place finishes, a win had eluded him—most notably in Russia in 2021, where rain derailed his chances. This victory at Miami, however, demonstrated that Norris has the skill and courage to compete at the highest level.
Verstappen seemed to be in control until a safety car reshaped the race’s trajectory. McLaren made a strategic call, leaving Norris out longer before his pit stop, allowing him to take the lead. When Logan Sargeant’s crash caused a safety car, Norris capitalized, pitting and rejoining the race in front of Verstappen.
At the restart, Norris maintained his lead, even as Verstappen struggled with his tires. The pressure was intense, but Norris delivered a series of flawless laps, extending his lead and ultimately finishing 7.6 seconds ahead of Verstappen. His celebration, filled with joy and relief, was met with applause from his team and fans alike, with seven-time champion Lewis Hamilton offering his congratulations during the in-lap.
Norris’s reaction was a mix of jubilation and gratitude. He shouted to his race engineer, Will Joseph, “I guess that’s how it’s done, finally.” His triumph was celebrated with enthusiasm, both by his team and the crowd. For three years, Miami had seen only Verstappen win, making Norris’s victory all the more special.
The podium was completed by Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc and Carlos Sainz, with Red Bull’s Sergio Pérez finishing fifth, Hamilton and his Mercedes teammate George Russell in sixth and eighth, Yuki Tsunoda of Red Bull seventh, Aston Martin’s Fernando Alonso ninth, and Esteban Ocon of Alpine rounding out the top ten.
Norris’s victory in Miami showcased that Formula One is about both high-energy spectacle and intense competition on the track. It also proved that while some enjoy the glamour of Miami, others appreciate the rain-soaked grassy knolls at Spa—both offering excitement when the race delivers. And this time, Miami, along with Norris, did just that.
