Norris eyes Turn 1 strike on Verstappen in Miami showdown

Lando Norris is setting his sights on taking the fight to Max Verstappen from the very start of Sunday’s Miami Grand Prix, but the McLaren driver is also bracing for pressure from within, pointing to Kimi Antonelli and Oscar Piastri as serious threats.

After narrowly missing out on pole position to Verstappen – largely due to a mistake on the entry to Turn 17 – Norris will line up second on the grid alongside the Red Bull driver.

But with a sharper McLaren MCL39 under him and a renewed sense of confidence, Norris is ready to turn his qualifying frustration into race-day redemption, hopefully as soon as the first braking zone.

"I'm ready to see what I can do into Turn 1," Norris said after Saturday’s shootout, suggesting that the inside line from P2 on the grid could give him a shot at passing Verstappen early.

However, he was also realistic about what would follow if the Dutchman held the lead.

Unlike last month’s frustrating race at Suzuka, where low tyre degradation and limited overtaking stifled his challenge against Verstappen, Norris believes Miami’s layout plays to his strengths.

The circuit’s three DRS zones and heavier braking areas promise more passing opportunities, a stark contrast to Japan’s restrictive confines.

"The DRS helps a lot around here with the overtaking. It's what you need,” Norris explained, reflecting on his second-place finish behind Verstappen in Japan.

“You also have some much bigger braking zones than you have in Suzuka, so I hope so anyway.

"I hope that's the case and we can have a good race tomorrow. But I don't just expect competition from Max. Kimi [Antonelli]'s been quick all weekend and Oscar [Piastri] has been as well. So yeah, I just expect a tough race from all accounts."

A Race of Opportunity and Rivalry

Norris’ confidence has been building in Miami following a difficult start to the 2025 campaign in Bahrain and Jeddah.

Time spent in McLaren’s simulator at Woking and changes in his approach have helped him feel more at ease in the MCL39 – an evolution of the car that hasn’t always suited his driving style.

• Read also: Norris hoped Verstappen becoming a father 'would slow him down'

"I'm very happy with the end result,” Norris said of his qualifying performance. “It's just a shame when you miss out on pole, so that's the only frustrating bit.

“But I think I've been trying different things, I've been doing different things with the team to try and work a bit more in this area and things have been taking a step forward.

“So I'm happy. Maybe not quite there yet, but happy with the progress."

With Verstappen on pole and Norris lining up just alongside him, Sunday’s race promises a fierce showdown – not only between Red Bull and McLaren, but also among McLaren’s own young chargers.

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