Our verdict on Norris's shock first F1 win

Lando Norris has finally achieved victory in a grand prix race after trying 110 times.

After waiting for a while, McLaren has truly taken a positive step forward by unveiling a major Formula One upgrade package during the Miami Grand Prix.

Was Norris's first victory merely a happy accident caused by the circumstances of the race? Or did he earn it through impressive execution? Furthermore, given Norris's past disappointments and strong track record in Formula One, do the specific conditions surrounding his win hold any significance?

Here are the thoughts of our writers:

Fortune Doesn't Reduce This In Any Way

Did luck play a role? Yes. But who cares? It was an exceptional triumph. And he's not the only F1 driver who got lucky when winning during an era when someone else was dominating.

To achieve the win, Norris had to perform exceptionally well throughout the race. Although he experienced difficulty during the first part, he skillfully conserved his tires, accelerated impressively when there were no other cars around, made wise defensive decisions during the restart to maintain his lead, and ultimately capitalized on the situation to secure a significant lead.

The occurrence of the safety car was a significant influence on the race as it assisted the driver in securing key positions. Additionally, Verstappen was experiencing difficulties. Nonetheless, Norris's performance at the conclusion of the initial phase of the race altered the course of his competition. Therefore, the aftermath of the restart highlighted the advantage that Norris would have had over Verstappen.

He received help, but he was also speedy and earned it. Therefore, I hope individuals can appreciate this outcome without discrediting it. It should not be regarded as a tainted victory.

Rate Norris's Performance In The Last Lap

It is challenging to speculate about what could have happened or what wouldn't have happened if 'X' had occurred differently.

The McLarens displayed exceptional speed during the race and could have easily secured two podium finishes. It's only a matter of time before they accomplish this feat. What's truly remarkable is how effective their car updates are, proving that McLaren is capable of competing with the top-tier teams at various circuits.

Is it possible that Norris won due to a mistake from the FIA when it comes to the safety car's placement after Sargent and Magnussen collided? Perhaps, but it could also be because McLaren opted for a longer first stint which paved the way for that chance.

In my opinion, we should evaluate his performance during the restart when the safety car left the track. At that moment, there were approximately 25 laps left and Norris managed to gain a significant advantage of over seven seconds ahead of Verstappen, who was driving a Red Bull. This is something that hasn't been seen in a while.

F1's Heartwarming Moment

This victory won't be seen as a result of good luck with the safety car intervention. Norris's consistent speed both before and after the incident guarantees that.

Winning over Verstappen in a straight competition by a mere seven seconds cannot be considered as a stroke of luck. Although the safety car played a role in the game, there was still a considerable amount of the race left. Therefore, relying solely on luck, Norris could have blown his chances of winning before the race culminated.

Additionally, McLaren created its own fortunate opportunity by opting for a longer strategy, which was feasible due to the speed of both the vehicle and its driver.

Another impressive aspect of this victory was how well-received it was by the other racers. It was a heartwarming moment for Formula One to witness several drivers approaching Norris to offer their congratulations.

"McLaren's Management Proven Strong With First Win"

Norris achieved his maiden victory in F1 due to a fortunate timing of the safety car intervention. However, he was able to capitalize on the situation by executing rapid laps towards the end of his initial stint and maintaining his speed after the safety car restart. This ultimately contributed to his success.

Nonetheless, this victory exemplifies the commendable efforts of McLaren's leadership in the recent seasons. Back in 2022, Alpine outperformed McLaren in the constructors' championship, and the team struggled significantly at the beginning of 2023. In fact, during the Miami race in the previous year, McLaren was deemed as the least swift among all teams.

After a tough start, McLaren managed to surpass Aston Martin and secure the fourth position in the constructors' championship rankings. Moreover, they have been consistently performing well and are now strong contenders for podium finishes. This recent win highlights the substantial progress that McLaren has made, which is vastly different from the journeys of Alpine and Mercedes.

The Enstone team has shown signs of mismanagement with a series of changes in leadership, and Alpine has had a tough time this season, only scoring points in the Miami Grand Prix. Despite being expected to compete for the championship, Mercedes has failed to deliver and their attempts to improve the W15 car have not produced the desired outcomes.

Two years ago, not many people would have guessed that McLaren would make a quick comeback to being a top performer, and nobody could have imagined that their management and leadership would be top-notch by mid-2024.

Win Doesn't Affect Anything

Norris is currently in a unique situation as there has never been a driver who has performed as exceptional as him and taken so long to secure a win.

This victory simply puts a stop to the expected story or inquiry of 'when will Lando win a race?'

Regarding its implications for him and the people surrounding him, undoubtedly they will rejoice in this triumph and its significance for him, his loved ones, and supporters. However, it has little bearing on our assessment of him as an F1 driver.

We were already aware that Lando Norris possessed the talent required to claim victories in races, but unfortunate situations prevented him from doing so. Therefore, despite recent developments, his ability to win races remains unchanged.