Lando Norris, from the McLaren Formula 1 team, secured the first position and the McLaren team celebrates the victory and dedicates it to the late Gil de Ferran.
McLaren’s victory in Miami the previous Sunday marked their first win since Australian driver Daniel Ricciardo led Lando Norris to a one-two finish in Monza in 2021. McLaren, the second most successful team in Formula 1 history in terms of race wins, has not won a championship title since Lewis Hamilton, now a seven-time Formula 1 world champion, secured his first in 2008.
When asked about McLaren’s potential as a championship contender in a year’s time, Norris expressed his belief to Sky Sports television, stating: «I’m fully confident that we can be. And I say that with a realistic perspective. Despite my earlier statement this year about our ability to win races, I truly believe that next year we can push further and take the next step forward.»
Norris emerged victorious in Miami, finishing 7.6 seconds ahead of Red Bull’s three-time Formula 1 world champion Max Verstappen after a Safety Car period played in his favor. Verstappen had won four of the five previous races in this season. Red Bull later revealed that Verstappen had damaged the floor of his car when he hit a post.
Reflecting on his victory, Norris commented: «I am aware that something has changed within me. Becoming a race winner has undoubtedly made an impact. However, this change does not alter my approach. I remain the same person, still hungry for more wins.»
Norris también expresó su creencia de que McLaren, actualmente en tercer lugar en el Campeonato de Constructores de la Fórmula 1, con Ferrari en segundo, tiene el potencial de lograr más victorias este año. Él afirmó: «Anticipo una temporada emocionante por delante, con una competencia reñida entre McLaren, Red Bull y Ferrari. Aunque todavía tenemos trabajo por hacer para alcanzar su nivel, estoy confiado en nuestras capacidades.»
Además, Norris espera que su relación con Verstappen, un amigo y competidor respetado, evolucione. Él declaró: «Estoy seguro de que nuestra dinámica va a cambiar. Aunque tenemos un respeto mutuo y nos llevamos bien, no somos mejores amigos que intercambian mensajes diarios. Sin embargo, tengo a Verstappen en alta estima. Quiero desafiarlo, correr contra él y librar batallas en la pista, porque creo firmemente que es uno de los mejores pilotos de la Fórmula 1. Demostrarme contra él significa demostrarme contra uno de los mejores», concluyó el piloto británico. (Reportado por Alan Baldwin)
