Could Lando Norris’s quest for the championship be within reach? His impressive performance in the sprint race preceding the potentially stormy Miami Grand Prix suggests it might be more attainable than previously thought.
Adding a touch of history to the event, the accolade for the British driver was presented by none other than Reid Weisman, renowned for commanding the Artemis II mission. Though it was just a simple plaque, it reinforced the belief that Norris’s goal is not out of sight.
In the glitzy atmosphere of Miami, where grand gestures are the norm, Weisman’s presence added a unique flair to the proceedings. This city, known for its opulence, provided a fitting backdrop for such a ceremonious occasion.
Despite having no victories this season and trailing leader Kimi Antonelli by 47 points, Norris demonstrated undeniable prowess throughout the sizzling 32°C afternoon at the Miami Dolphins’ Hard Rock Stadium.
Starting from pole position thanks to a flawless lap, Norris secured a swift lead. In contrast, Antonelli faced a sluggish start, a recurring issue for the Mercedes team under this year’s intricate rules. Team principal Toto Wolff admitted it was a misstep on their part.
As the Italian slipped from second to fourth, Oscar Piastri capitalized on the opportunity to slot in behind Norris, leaving the two McLarens in dominant control of the race—an advantage they maintained effortlessly.
Lando Norris’s title defence came alive by winning the sprint race at the Miami Grand Prix
The world champion controlled the 19-lap dash at Hard Rock Stadium, home of the Dolphins
McLaren showed signs of life at last with Oscar Piastri securing a one-two finish for the team
Piastri finished second, 3.7sec back from Norris, with Ferrari’s Charles Leclerc third, a further 2.3sec adrift.
And in a further boost to Norris, Antonelli was handed a five-second penalty for repeatedly exceeding track limits that dropped him to sixth (in danger, Kimi, of too many errors for a serious championship tilt for all your sensational pace!). George Russell was, therefore, classified fourth for Mercedes.
Max Verstappen, who clashed wheels and sparred with Lewis Hamilton, finished fifth, two places ahead of the seven-time world champion, who cut a dejected figure afterwards as he trudged around the pits.
The result showed that McLaren, with their one-two, have found a productive way forward during the enforced break from racing due to war in the Middle East excised the Bahrain and Saudi Arabian Grands Prix.
The notion of Mercedes running away with all the prizes looks less certain – though further evidence is required before that reservation can be stated with anything approaching conviction.
The Silver Arrows, it must be underlined, are bringing their major upgrade in Montreal three weeks down the line, and then we will know more about the shape of the title fight.
The enforced break has lent this weekend an ersatz start-of-season air. Ferrari, for example, have brought 11 upgrades to Florida, while McLaren have revamped their car just as significantly since the circus left Japan five weeks ago.
Kimi Antonelli was slow off the line and dropped to sixth place after picking up a penalty
Norris’s win meant he narrowed his deficit to 42 points heading into Sunday’s main event, with championship-favourite Russell seven short.
‘Nice to be back on the top step!’ smiled Norris. ‘A good day for us.
‘It was hot out there and sweaty. I was pushing, trying to find that balance of pushing and staying relaxed to not make mistakes.
‘A good start to the weekend but now I’ve got to do it all over again.
‘Hopefully, we have a bit more to come, but I’m sure the others will too. We will keep our heads down and keep pushing.’
