Andrea Stella, the Team Principal of McLaren, celebrates alongside Lando Norris, the race winner, on the podium of the Miami Grand Prix. This event took place on May 5, 2024, as part of the Formula 1 World Championship, specifically in the 6th round. The race happened in Miami, Florida, USA.
After securing his first victory at the Miami Grand Prix, Lando Norris is confident that McLaren can compete for both Formula 1 World Championships in the upcoming season. During the race, Norris made a strategic pit stop while benefiting from a Safety Car period, allowing him to maintain the lead and end his streak of 109 winless races. Looking to the future, Norris believes McLaren has the potential to win more races and even championships before the regulatory changes in 2026.
When asked about the possibility of competing for the championship in 2025, Norris expressed his belief in McLaren’s chances, stating: “100%. But I’m saying that with a realistic perspective.” He acknowledges the strength of McLaren’s driver lineup and the support of an exceptional team. Norris emphasizes the unity within the team, stating: “We have an amazing team backing us up and we are closer than ever.” Despite his confidence, Norris recognizes that there is still a lot of work to be done and the team is fully committed to achieving their goals.
The slow start to the previous season for McLaren led to speculation that Norris could consider switching to another team, with Red Bull showing interest in his services. However, Norris remained optimistic that his team could once again become a contender and believes that his historic victory proved that his confidence was justified. He stated: “I had a feeling that we could achieve what we did this weekend, and I believe we can do that many times this year. Seeing how much this means to my team, means so much to me. I want to keep winning races and championships together with them. That’s our plan.”
Despite the joy of his victory, Norris insists that neither he nor his team are satisfied and believes there will be more opportunities to replicate his success in 2024. When asked if he can expect more wins this season, Norris replied: “Absolutely. We can win more races this year. I believe we can compete against Red Bull. It will be an exciting season between us, Red Bull, and Ferrari. However, we still have work to do. We have not reached their level yet. Although we may be competitive in some races, on average, we are not where we want to be. We are grounded and aware that there is more work to be done. As soon as everyone has celebrated, I will tell them to get back to work so we can keep fighting.”
Andrea Stella, McLaren Team Principal, believes that Norris’ victory in Miami will relieve the pressure on him and help him perform even better. When asked about Stella’s assessment, Norris explained that this win gives him even more confidence and desire, but he remains the same person. He stated: “I’m still me, the same person. I believed at the beginning of the year that we could win races, and we won the first one. So, I have faith. I have confidence that we can do this as a team, and we have proven that. Maybe some things have changed, there is something inside me that is different because now I am a race winner. But my approach to things has not changed. I am still the same guy and I want to win even more. This just increases my hunger for victory like never before.”
© 2024
A new era for world football is about to begin. With the 2026 World Cup approaching, FIFA has announced a series of significant changes to the tournament format. From now on, the competition will feature 48 teams, instead of the traditional 32. This expansion aims to increase representation and inclusion in football, allowing more nations the opportunity to compete on the sport’s biggest stage.
Furthermore, FIFA has also decided to change the way teams are divided in the groups. Instead of the traditional format of four teams per group, there will now be six teams in each group. This means that each team will have the chance to play more matches in the group stage, increasing the excitement and competitiveness of the tournament.
Another important change is the introduction of a preliminary knockout phase. Before the start of the group stage, the lower-ranked qualifying teams will have to compete in a preliminary round to secure their spot in the main tournament. This new stage will allow less traditional teams to have the opportunity to compete with the football powerhouses.
Furthermore, FIFA also announced that the 2026 World Cup will be held in three different countries: United States, Canada, and Mexico. This will be the first time in the tournament’s history that the competition will be hosted by three nations. This decision aims to promote cooperation and unity among countries, as well as provide a unique experience for fans and players.
With all these changes, the 2026 World Cup promises to be one of the most exciting and inclusive in football history. With more teams participating, a new group format, and a preliminary knockout phase, the tournament promises to offer a unique spectacle for fans around the world. Get ready to cheer for your national team and witness the beginning of a new era in world football.
