Very happy for Lando Norris, says Max Verstappen despite losing Miami GP to McLaren driver

Max Verstappen was expected to keep his winning run intact in the just-concluded Miami Grand Prix on the weekend. However, the Dutchman lost as McLaren driver Lando Norris clinched his maiden win in F1. It was a sweet victory for the Briton after the 24-year-old held the record for most podiums without a win (15). Notably, he ended as runner-up on astaggering eight occasions in 110 grand prixs.

Verstappen, who was a favourite, was oncourse to claim a fifth win in six races until a midway crash led McLaren to cash in on a safety car period, with Norris eventually coming out with a win. Despite the loss, the Dutchman remainsoptimistic of a turnaroundand lauded Norris for his first-ever race win.

After the race, Verstappen said, "You win, you lose. I think we’re all used to that in racing, right?" Today was just a bit tricky. If a bad day is P2, I take it. I’m very happy for Lando. It’s been a long time coming and it’s not going to be his last one, so he definitely deserves it today."

Meanwhile, Norris was on cloud nine and stated, "About time! What a race. It's been a long time coming. Finally, I've managed to do it," Norris told Sky Sports. "I'm so happy for my whole team. I finally delivered for them."

He further opined, "Long day, tough race. Finally on top, so I'm over the moon. I'm just proud. A lot of people doubted me along the way."

"I've made a lot of mistakes over my last five years in my short career but today we put it all together," Norris added.

The win ishuge for Norris given how Red Bull is dominating the ongoing season. Mercedes' seven-timeworld champion Lewis Hamilton settled for the sixth spot and RB's Yuki Tsunoda followed him in seventh. Aston Martin's double world champion Fernando Alonso claimed the ninth spot while Alpine's Esteban Ocon earned his struggling team their first point of the season crossing 10th.

The focus now moves to the Elimia Romagna GP, which is on May 19 in Italy.