MIAMI, FLORIDA – MAY 05: Second placed Max Verstappen of the Netherlands, and Oracle Red Bull Racing, and race winner Lando Norris of Great Britain, and McLaren, celebrate in the parc ferme during the Formula 1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 05, 2024 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Mark Thompson/Getty Images) // Getty Images / Red Bull Content Pool // SI202405060029 // Editorial Use Only //
During the post-race press conference, a journalist asked Verstappen if Norris would have won the race without the intervention of the Safety Car while Verstappen was leading. Verstappen’s response was typical of him, giving a classic answer. The Safety Car allowed Norris to make a pit stop for free and take the lead of the race for the restart. Despite Verstappen closely following Norris throughout the race, the McLaren driver managed to maintain his lead into Turn 1. However, after that, the McLaren #4 car gradually opened up a gap over the Red Bull #1 car.
When asked about the possibility of Norris winning without the Safety Car, Verstappen admitted he didn’t know the difference between them before the Safety Car came in. He then turned to Norris and asked how far behind he was. Norris replied that it would be difficult for him to overtake, as he would have to pass two Ferrari cars and a Red Bull, referring to Verstappen’s car. Verstappen seemed annoyed by the question and responded with a sarcastic comment, emphasizing that there are always “ifs” in motorsport and that sometimes things work out and sometimes they don’t.
Verstappen had a scare at Turn 1, narrowly avoiding a collision with his Red Bull teammate, Perez, who braked too late and caused chaos at the first corner complex. When asked if he was aware of the danger he faced at Turn 1, Verstappen confirmed that he was very aware. He noticed that Perez locked up his brakes and even found a scratch on his diffuser after the race, indicating that something hit his car. Verstappen acknowledged that it was a scare and could have ended in disaster for the team, considering the possible consequences. Perez ended up finishing in fourth place.
Later in the press conference, Verstappen’s sarcastic tone continued when he was asked about hitting a pole while leading the race. He joked that he didn’t like the pole, so he decided to test the durability of the front wing by hitting it. He added that there was no damage and the cone was out of the way for everyone, becoming a “free for all” after that.
Despite finishing in second place, Verstappen extended his lead in the 2024 Formula 1 World Championship standings by eight points over Perez after the Miami race.
