Lando Norris took his maiden Formula 1 win at the Miami Grand Prix last weekend. It’s proven to be a popular victory both in the F1 paddock and beyond.
Martin Brundle says he can’t recall a winner receiving this kind of reception since Ayrton Senna at the 1991 Brazilian Grand Prix. The difference with Norris, of course, was that he was a long way from home soil.
Norris’ victory had been a long time coming. This was his 110th race start and, more significantly, he’d finished on the podium 15 times without standing on the top step.
But after he finally ended that drought, he received plenty of congratulations. Damon Hill honoured him with an Instagram post, calling him a ‘class driver and a top bloke’.
Even his F1 rivals seemed to be genuinely pleased for him. Runner-up Max Verstappen made sure to say well done, while Lewis Hamilton pulled alongside him on the cool-down lap to recognise his achievement.
After basking in the glory, Norris will now look forward. He’s told his followers that he’s ‘just getting started’ as he goes in search of further success in his heavily-upgraded MCL38.
Valentino Rossi sends rallying cry to Lando Norris after win in Miami
On Tuesday, Norris posted an Instagram compilation of his Miami celebrations captioned ‘I’ll remember this forever. Thank you everyone’. And he then received a particularly special message in the comments.
Moto GP legend Valentino Rossi told him ‘now you need a new one’, in reference to the first-place trophy Norris was holding in the first photo. The 24-year-old will no doubt have developed a taste for winning already.
Indeed, the McLaren driver will be determined to ensure this is no flash in the pan. Compatriot and close friend George Russell got off the mark at the 2022 Brazilian Grand Prix, but hasn’t won since.
Norris will hope he’s in a much stronger position to build on his victory. As it stands, McLaren appear to have edged of Ferrari to become Red Bull’s closest challengers, though much will depend on the upgrade the Scuderia are bringing to Imola.
Who is Lando Norris idol Valentino Rossi?
Many motorsport fans will be familiar with Rossi, who won seven MotoGP championships across a 372-race career between 2000 and 2021. He took 89 victories, almost 200 podiums and 55 pole positions.
The Italian, now 45, has taken up a career on four wheels since retiring from motorcycle racing. He’s competing in the World Endurance Championship this year with Team WRT.
Norris has previously described Rossi, nicknamed ‘The Doctor’, as his ‘hero’. During his debut season in 2019, he wore a special Rossi-inspired helmet at the Italian Grand Prix.
The British driver’s Instagram comments haven’t always been filled with adulation, though. He says trolls used to flood them with the ‘Lando No-wins’ nickname.
That meant he drew even more satisfaction from his triumph in Miami last Sunday. In his eyes, all those comments did was increase his motivation, which is why he thanked his critics.
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