In a thrilling turn of events at the Miami Grand Prix, McLaren driver Lando Norris secured his maiden Formula 1 victory after 110 attempts, edging out reigning world champion Max Verstappen.
Reflecting on his historic win, Norris revealed that he had already begun planning his celebration well before crossing the chequered flag. “By lap 30, I knew I was going to claim first place,” Norris disclosed during an interview with Greg James on the Radio 1 Breakfast show.
In the final moments of the race, as victory loomed closer, Norris found himself contemplating the finer details of his impending celebration. “The last two or three laps, I was really thinking about how do I celebrate?” he shared, underscoring the calmness he maintained during the intense climax of the Grand Prix.
Following his triumphant victory, Norris indulged in celebrations alongside Super Bowl champion Travis Kelce. Recounting their encounter, Norris expressed admiration for Kelce and expressed a desire to attend a Kansas City Chiefs game with him in the future.
The victory in Miami marked a significant milestone for Norris, who became the first driver to defeat Max Verstappen this season in a race where the Red Bull driver finished. Carlos Sainz’s win at the Australian Grand Prix in March, coupled with Verstappen’s retirement in the early stages, set the stage for Norris’s breakthrough victory.
Hailing from Somerset, Norris’s journey to Formula 1 began at the tender age of six, igniting a passion that would eventually lead him to the pinnacle of motorsport. Recalling his early days in karting, Norris emphasized his unwavering commitment to pursuing his dream of competing in Formula 1.
While basking in the glory of his maiden win, Norris revealed the bittersweet reality of having to part ways with the coveted trophy, as it remains in the possession of the team. “I have to buy a replica,” Norris lamented, hinting at the substantial cost incurred to replicate his inaugural triumph.