Norris gives X-rated interview after beating Verstappen to his first F1 win

05 May 2024 , 22:06

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Lando Norris speaking after winning an F1 race for the first time (Image: Sky Sports)

As he crossed the finish line, Lando Norris let out a scream of equal parts delight and relief.

For the first time in his F1 career, at the 110th time of asking, the Briton became a race-winner. And his first words were for his race engineer Will Joseph, who confirmed to the 24-year-old that his boyhood dream had finally become a reality.

"We did it, Will!" Norris screamed, his delighted expression obvious even underneath his helmet. He stepped out of his McLaren to a roar of approval from the Miami crowd and got a big hug from his great friend Max Verstappen.

Norris benefitted from a well-timed safety car which came out after the Dutchman had pitted for fresh tyres. Previous experience suggested the Red Bull would roar past from the moment the race resumed.

But he held Verstappen off heading into the first corner and never looked back from there. McLaren gave him a massive upgrade package for this weekend and the timing was perfect as Norris had the car he needed to not only match the race pace of the Red Bull, but better it.

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"About time, huh?" He began in his post-race interview. He then dropped an F-bomb before apologising, aware he was speaking on live TV to millions around the globe.

Norris then said: "What a race. It's been a long time coming but finally I've managed to do it. "I'm so happy for my whole team - I've finally delivered for them. It was a long day, a tough race, but I'm finally on top and over the moon."

Verstappen is not used to being beaten. Prior to this, he had won every race this year that he had finished. But still he managed a smile after being beaten by his best friend in the F1 paddock.

The Red Bull racer said: "You win, you lose, we're all used to that in racing, right? "Today was tricky... Lando was flying and it was incredibly difficult for us. But if a bad day is P2, I can't complain." Charles Leclerc joined them on the podium after a strong drive for Ferrari, but it was all about Norris who proved to everyone that Red Bull are beatable in a straight fight.

And McLaren will be excited about what the next few weeks will hold. Oscar Piastri will also get the full set of upgrades when F1 returns to Imola for the Emilia Romagna Grand Prix later this month with renewed hope that Red Bull can be beaten.

Daniel Moxon