Norris secures first F1 victory in Miami, ending winless streak with commanding performance

Red Bull Racing/Red Bull Content Pool

Lando Norris breaks 'NoWins' curse with Miami GP victory.

MIAMI — In an adrenaline-charged finale at the Miami Grand Prix, Lando Norris finally quashed his infamous "Lando NoWins" nickname, capturing a landmark victory that has eluded him since debuting in Formula 1.

For Norris, this victory was more than a simple racetrack triumph—it was the culmination of a lifetime dedicated to racing. As he approached the final lap, leading his McLaren with an increasing gap over Max Verstappen's Red Bull, the significance of the moment wasn't lost on the 23-year-old Briton.

Reflecting on the gravity of his win, Norris recalled the swirl of thoughts racing through his mind as he anticipated the chequered flag. "I was smiling and thinking, how am I going to celebrate? What am I going to say?" he commented. This was more than just a win; it was a definitive answer to the doubts that have circled him. As emotions spilled over during his team radio message, Norris exclaimed, "WOOOOOOOOO! WOOOOOOOOO! About f------ time!" capturing the unbridled joy of the moment.

Norris’ victory, though unexpected at the race's outset, was a testament to perseverance and a bit of racing fortune. A tumultuous start saw him lose position, dropping from fifth to sixth as rival Sergio Pérez disrupted the field with an aggressive maneuver. Yet, Norris remained undeterred. "I knew we had good pace, and I knew I was in it for the long game," he explained.

The turning point arrived on lap 29 when a crash between Kevin Magnussen and Logan Sargeant brought out the safety car. Strategically, Norris used this opportunity for a timely pit stop, catapulting him into the lead against his competitors. "Sometimes you've got to have a bit of luck on your side," Norris mused post-race.

Celebrations are anticipated to extend well into the night, especially with McLaren's CEO, Zak Brown, delaying Norris' flight home to savor the occasion. "I'm not going to sleep. I'm going all the way," he beamed.

McLaren's recent performance surge also vindicated the team’s faith in Norris, echoed by team principal Andrea Stella's affirmation: "We knew as soon as we had made winning material available to Lando, he would deliver."

For Norris, this victory was a long-awaited answer to any lingering doubt. "Never did I not believe in what I could go out and do," he asserted, relieved to dismantle the critics and trolls that labeled him "Lando NoWins."

With this pivotal victory absorbing the pressures of expectation, Norris stands reinvigorated on his path forward. "I've, of course, had my moments where we've been close, and I've never been able to convert it into the win. But I wasn't worried... I've just been doing my job... I knew my time was coming," he declared confidently.

For Lando Norris and McLaren, the Miami Grand Prix marks not just a victory, but a cornerstone of future possibilities, promising more celebrations beyond the Miami night.

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