According to Lewis Hamilton, he urged Lando Norris “he needs to stay tonight” so they could celebrate his first Grand Prix win in Miami’s streets.
Norris’s event began to fall apart after a strong start to the Miami Grand Prix weekend in sprint qualifying, but he recovered to lead the main race on Sunday using the alternate strategy.
Norris gained the race lead when Logan Sargeant and Kevin Magnussen wrecked and brought out the safety car, and he proceeded to dominate the pack.
With Verstappen trailing him, the 24-year-old extended his lead to more than seven seconds.
Norris crossed the finish line first, capturing McLaren’s first Grand Prix victory since the 2021 Italian Grand Prix, and the reigning world champion showed no reaction to his pace.
After the race, Hamilton told Sky Sports F1: “Honestly, I’m really happy for Lando. I just told him he needs to stay tonight.”
Then Hamilton was questioned if he had advised his fellow British national to reschedule his return journey. “He’s going to try to change his flight,” he said. He must! He just triumphed in a race.
“Winning your first Grand Prix is such a special moment, and since I started at McLaren, I’m thrilled to see them back at the top.” It has been a while.”
Not just Hamilton but several drivers also rejoiced over Norris’ victory. The only other driver to defeat Verstappen this season, Carlos Sainz, a close friend and former teammate, also had some kind things to say.
He’s been deserving of the victory for so long,” he said to Sky Sports F1. “He’s a driver that will win many races in F1.”He’s been driving very well lately. He was fortunate today, but good things occur to those who deserve them, and he most certainly does.”