As Lando Norris celebrates his 25th birthday today, Formula 1 fans around the world are taking a trip down memory lane to relive his remarkable first victory at the 2024 Miami Grand Prix. This milestone moment came as a defining achievement not only for Norris but also for his McLaren team, marking their first race win in nearly three years.
The Miami race: Rising to the occasion
Lando Norris started the Miami Grand Prix from fifth on the grid, surrounded by fierce competition. The race took a surprising turn during a Safety Car period that was triggered by a collision between Kevin Magnussen and Logan Sargeant. Norris seized this opportunity, taking the lead and holding it with masterful control.
As the race unfolded, he established a solid seven-second gap over Max Verstappen, the defending world champion, who ultimately finished second. Crossing the finish line, Norris claimed his first-ever Formula 1 victory—a feat he achieved in his 110th Grand Prix. This monumental win not only cemented Norris's position as one of the sport’s rising stars but also rejuvenated McLaren’s competitive standing, ending their winless streak since the 2021 Italian Grand Prix.
The impact: A fan favourite and a title contender
For Norris, who grew up in Bristol, England, this Miami win felt like the culmination of years of hard work and dedication. From his early days winning the Karting World Championship at age 15 to joining McLaren’s Young Driver Program, Norris’s journey to Formula 1 has been one of perseverance. His debut in 2019 signalled his arrival on the F1 stage, and his Miami victory showed just how far he had come.
Currently, Norris is locked in an intense title battle with Max Verstappen, trailing by 62 points as the season nears its end with only three races remaining. While Verstappen holds the upper hand in the standings, Norris’s skill and determination have made this season one of the most thrilling in recent memory.
As Norris celebrates his 25th birthday, fans are eager to see what the future holds for this talented driver. His Miami win is now a symbol of his potential, hinting that more victories—and perhaps even a championship—lie ahead.