Lando Norris taking the chequered flag to become a Formula 1 winner for the first time at the 110th attempt was a popular moment in the Miami Grand Prix paddock.
The Briton had been made to endure a prolonged wait, but he capitalised on McLaren’s latest upgrades and a well-timed Safety Car to pip Max Verstappen to top spot.
However, Verstappen, who extended his championship lead over Red Bull team-mate Sergio Perez, was delighted for Norris and believes he will attain further victories.
“I’m very happy for Lando,” Verstappen expressed. “It’s been a long time coming and it’s not going to be his last one. He definitely deserves it today.”
He later added: “I think it was a long time coming, you know, and I’m very happy to be beaten by Lando today. He definitely deserved it.
“He was just miles faster at the end there. So yeah, it’s great, you know, winning your first race is always, I think, quite emotional.
“And yeah, it brings you back to, you know, all the days that you worked towards Formula One, you dream of being on the podium, but then being on the top step.
“So, yeah, of course, naturally I’m not very happy with my day, but you can appreciate and respect what Lando has done today, and I’m very happy for him.”
Leclerc recalled recognising Norris’ talent during their time in the feeder categories and the special feeling that comes when a driver achieves their breakthrough win.
“I’m just really happy for Lando,” Leclerc said.
“As much as we all want to beat each other and to come out on top, it’s always emotional to see so many emotions on one of your competitors.
“We have all grown up together. I mean, Max and myself were on the category above, but you always keep an eye on the younger categories.
“And I remember looking at Lando when he was in KF3, and we all had this same dream of being a Formula One driver one day.
“Then once you achieve that, you want obviously the first win, and I remember my first win and it is a very, very special moment so I told him already he needs to enjoy as much as possible, but I don’t have to tell him that. I’m sure that tonight will be a good night and he definitely deserves it.”
Leclerc’s Ferrari team-mate Carlos Sainz, who shares a close relationship with Norris from their time at McLaren, states his ex-partner had earned his fortuitous break.
“There’s this luck factor that Lando got today and won a race but he’s been driving like a race winner for many, many races in a row now and he deserves that win,” he said.
“Luck, no luck, it doesn’t matter. He’s a race winner and it was about time and people just have to accept that win. When you don’t have the best car, sometimes it’s a bit of luck.”
Erstwhile McLaren protege Lewis Hamilton is pleased to see the Woking-based squad succeed, as Norris claimed its second win since the former departed in 2012.
“I had my first win with McLaren, so I’m really happy to see McLaren back up there. I think Zak [Brown] and the whole team have done an amazing job,” Hamilton said.
“I was with them from 13 years old, so I’m so happy. It’s still a big part of my heart there, so I’m really happy to see them get back at the top. Also, dethroning the [Red] Bulls.
“And for Lando, I know Lando quite well. We’ve got a decent relationship and I know what it’s like to get that first Grand Prix win, how special it is.
“So I couldn’t be happier for him. I really hope that he’s able to appreciate the moment and enjoy it, because it’s a big day.”
George Russell, who beat Norris to the Formula 2 title in 2018, reckons it provided F1 with a feel-good story to see Red Bull defeated for the third time since last term.
“Definitely very well deserved and very happy for him,” Russell added. “You know, he’s deserving of a race victory probably many, many years ago.
“And I think for all the drivers in Formula 1 in this era of dominance from one team and one driver, you know, it’s always great to see somebody get that chance to score a victory.”
Meanwhile, Daniel Ricciardo had contributed to Norris’ elongated wait to add his name to F1’s winners’ list as he fronted a McLaren 1-2 at the 2021 Italian Grand Prix.
But the Australian, now with RB since departing McLaren in 2022, admitted that he holds Norris in high regard and it placed a smile on his face to see his drought end.
“I’m genuinely very happy for the kid,” Ricciardo commented.
“As a team-mate, obviously you get to know them a little bit better, and obviously you got to know Lando well, and you have a bit of a closer connection.
“Obviously, we spent some time away from the track together. He actually came out to my farm in Australia this January, so I got to spend some time with him, and I like the kid.
“I think a lot of us felt it was a matter of time until he was able to have a day like this, but nothing’s guaranteed in this sport.
“I’m happy that he did get to have a day like this, one that will forever be one of the greatest days of his life.
“I’m happy to see that smile on him. Not a great day for me, but to see him have a day like this finishes the day off with something nice and positive. He’s a good kid and deserves it.”
