Verstappen praiseful of Norris: ‘It won’t be his last win’

©McLaren

40

Red Bull’s Max Verstappen suffered in the Miami Grand Prix his second defeat of the 2024 season, this time at the hands of first-time winner Lando Norris.

But the reigning world champion was genuinely happy for his McLaren rival and friend and has no doubts that more victories are in store for the Briton.

Norris managed to secure a 7-second victory over Verstappen after strategically capitalizing on a safety car period triggered by a collision between Kevin Magnussen and Logan Sargeant.

The incident handed Norris a decisive free pitstop that allowed him to rejoin the track with a comfortable lead over the Dutchman who had completed his own pitstop before the safety car neutralisation.

Read also:

Miami GP: Norris finally nails maiden F1 win in style

Earlier in the race, Verstappen had caused a virtual safety car after running wide and hitting a bollard at Turn 15, which he admitted affected his car's handling.

“I mean, you win, you lose,” Verstappen told Sky F1. “I think we're all used to that in racing, right?

“Today was just a bit tricky. I think already on the mediums, I didn't feel fantastic. We were pulling away but not like it should be.

“And then once we made the pitstop and I heard what lap times that McLaren were doing I thought, ‘Wow, that's pretty quick.’

“Once they also switched on to the hard tyre, they just had more pace, and especially Lando, he was flying.

“It was incredibly difficult for us on that stint. But if a bad day is P2, I’ll take it!

“And I'm very happy for Lando. It's been a long time coming. And it's not going to be his last one so yeah, he definitely deserves it today.”

McLaren kicked off its weekend in Miami with a significantly updated MCL38. Asked if McLaren’s pace was a rtue reflection of the changes, Verstappen said: “I hope not!

“I mean, they came with an upgrade. Yeah, for sure, it looks like it works. So, we have a bit of work to do from our side.

“Definitely, it wasn't our strongest weekend in terms of race pace, but we'll analyze it all and we'll try to come back.”

Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter

Phillip van Osten

Motor racing was a backdrop from the outset in Phillip van Osten's life. Born in Southern California, Phillip grew up with the sights and sounds of fast cars thanks to his father, Dick van Osten, an editor and writer for Auto Speed and Sport and Motor Trend. Phillip's passion for racing grew even more when his family moved to Europe and he became acquainted with the extraordinary world of Grand Prix racing. He was an early contributor to the monthly French F1i Magazine, often providing a historic or business perspective on Formula 1's affairs. In 2012, he co-authored along with fellow journalist Pierre Van Vliet the English-language adaptation of a limited edition book devoted to the great Belgian driver Jacky Ickx. He also authored "The American Legacy in Formula 1", a book which recounts the trials and tribulations of American drivers in Grand Prix racing. Phillip is also a commentator for Belgian broadcaster Be.TV for the US Indycar series.