LN(4) for the win

Lando Norris wins the Miami GP and the British anthem plays for the first time since Brazil 2022.

The British Mclaren driver previously held the record for the most podiums (15 to be exact) with no win but as of May 6th Norris joins the long list of WC GP race winners.

It’s been a long time overdue but to quote Merc driver George Russell, ‘it was always when, not if’ Lando would secure his first win.

Despite his obvious great fortune of being stuck in front of the SC his performance for the remaining 24 laps absolutely can not be undermined. A great deal of precision, caution and just overall good driving landed him on the top step today.

Verstappen appeared to be taking on his inevitable win until the race was spun around the midpoint (literally). Unfortunate for Sargeant who DNF’d his home race but incredibly fortunate for Norris who gained almost an entire lap advantage.

Rising from P6 to race leader in the matter of minutes, capitalising on a mid-race Safety Car to pit and then ease away from the Red Bull driver, with at one point an entire 30 second lead.

The 24 year-old has for some time been a race-winner-in-waiting and for the likes of us who remember the disasters of Sochi, this was a much needed and well deserved comeback.

Not an ounce of jealousy was present in Miami today, it’s clear that every driver on that track was celebrating alongside Norris and his first win.

“I am very happy for Lando it’s been a long time coming and it’s definitely not going to be his last one, he deserved it today,” said Verstappen, who nonetheless extended his lead in the title race to 35 points from RB teammate Pérez in p5.

With Will Joseph promising to give the papaya drivers a car they could win in, he did exactly that.

McLaren arrived at this race with a significant upgrade package; a new front wing, new front suspension geometry, a revised front-brake duct and winglet, a completely revised floor and new bodywork and engine cover. And by the looks of it, it works.

Perhaps it was written in the stars for Mclaren to win today, given the fact Donald Trump was their guest of honour. Orange was certainly the colour of the day.

Miami as a GP location has been criticised a lot over the years for its celebrity zoo-like feel. Which today of course was no exception with the likes of Jake Paul, James Charles and other unexpected influencers present on the paddock. It has taken away from the sport itself and has instead generated a concern of gaining the most social media traffic possible. Although the Miami track is one of my least favourites, for that and other reasons, I will say today made for a very interesting race.

Finally, a new winner here in Miami and maybe proof that F1 is not all as predictable as it has recently appeared to be…

A first of many for Norris.