Lando Norris returns to the land of his first F1 victory
After a well-deserved two-week break following the season's first hat-trick of races, Formula 1 returns for the fourth edition of the Miami Grand Prix, where McLaren will once again be the favorite.
Miami hosts this weekend’s sixth event of the season on a semi-permanent track laid out around the Hard Rock Stadium. Of the first five events, four have been claimed by McLaren, confirming the British team’s status as favorite.
The Floridian city is also the place of Lando Norris’s first F1 victory. The current second in the championship had won the event last season ahead of Max Verstappen and Charles Leclerc. Delighted to return to Miami, Norris is now eager to get back behind the wheel of the MCL39.
« It felt good to recharge the batteries after a busy triple-header of races. I’m excited to get back in the car, especially in Miami. That’s where I won my first F1 race, so it’s a special place for me. The fans bring an incredible atmosphere, so I can’t wait to see all the papaya orange stands, said the 25-year-old driver.
« Last week, I was back at the MTC (McLaren Technology Center, headquarters of the McLaren team in Woking, ed.) and in the simulator to prepare for Miami. It’s a Sprint weekend, which means there will be more points distributed, so let’s hope for a good weekend. »
Leader of the championship after his two consecutive victories in Bahrain and Saudi Arabia, Oscar Piastri is also excited about returning to the track in Miami. Performing well in both qualifying and races, the Australian driver intends to continue his momentum in Florida.
« I am excited to be back in action this weekend in Miami. Our goal will be to deliver another strong performance throughout the weekend before starting the European part of the season.
First race held in the United States this season before Austin and Las Vegas in a few months, the Miami Grand Prix is already among Piastri’s favorites on the calendar.
« I love the city, the atmosphere, and the people of Miami. It’s also a circuit where I have a very good feeling. It will also be a Sprint weekend, so there will be many opportunities to maintain the current momentum and energy. »
With four victories in five races, excluding Sprint, McLaren is currently a solid leader in the constructors’ championship with a 77-point lead over its runner-up Mercedes. Among the drivers, only 10 points separate Oscar Piastri from Lando Norris.
