Lando Norris beats Max Verstappen scoring maiden F1 win in Miami, but P2 pushes Max’s lead in the Rankings

5 May 2024
By Bob Francis, Managing Editor
Go Full Throttle Racing News

MIAMI, FL — For the first time in years, Max Verstappen could not overcome handling issues, tire degradation and an ill-timed Safety Car that allowed McLaren’s Lando Norris to pit ahead of Verstappen and grab the lead in the final stages of the race. After the restart, Norris gained a few tenths of a second in each of the closing laps, ultimately finishing 7.6 seconds ahead of the Dutch Champion at the end of the GP.

Lando Norris wins the Miami GP over Max Verstappen (Image Credit: formula1.com)

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Norris Grabs First Career Win, but a Sprint win and 2nd place in the Miami Grand Prix means Max Verstappen is still in control of the World Championship Points and GFT AI Rankings

It was an action-packed Miami Grand Prix. The race weekend witnessed a series of unexpected twists. Early on, it appeared to be Verstappen’s race to lose. The Red Bull driver started strong, but Norris, who had opted for a longer opening stint on his tires, emerged from the pits in the lead after Verstappen made a regular pit stop.

Miami International Autodrome Course Map (Image Credit: formula1.com)

Despite a valiant attempt to reclaim the lead at the restart, Verstappen couldn’t find a way past a determined Norris. The McLaren driver held his nerve and delivered a flawless performance, managing his tires effectively and maintaining a slight edge over the Red Bull.

Norris benefitted from a Safety Car to jump Verstappen for the lead of the race (Image Credit: formula1.com)

This victory marks a significant milestone for both Norris and McLaren. Norris, who has consistently shown promise but narrowly missed podium finishes in the past, finally reached the top step. For McLaren, this win signifies a potential resurgence for the historic team, their first victory since the 2021 Italian Grand Prix.

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While the spotlight shines brightly on Norris, credit must also be given to his teammate Oscar Piastri. Piastri initially looked strong, potentially setting the stage for a McLaren one-two finish, but a strategic gamble didn’t pay off, leaving Norris to carry the team’s hopes.

The Miami Grand Prix serves as a reminder that Formula 1 is a sport full of surprises. Norris’s win injects excitement into the championship battle, proving that even amidst Red Bull’s dominance, there’s room for drama and upsets.

Up Next:

The next race on the 2024 F1 calendar is the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Italy on May 17–19.