Stunning Norris win dedicated to tragedy

Lando Norris' maiden win in Miami was an incredible moment for McLaren, and one that they dedicated to a key figure.

The British driver had been close to his first race win on multiple occasions, most memorably at the Russian Grand Prix in 2021, where rainfall led to his demise in the closing stages.

READ MORE: Ricciardo tipped to be REPLACED before next race

After it looked certain he would convert a pole position into a maiden win, the rain fell, with Norris deciding to stay out on slick tyres, eventually prompting him to slide off the track and hand the victory to Lewis Hamilton.

However, at the Miami GP, Norris finally achieved a long-awaited ambition, finishing 7.6 seconds in front of Max Verstappen.

Norris and Stella dedicate win to Gil de Ferran

Whilst the McLaren garage was buoyant after the race, the team also reflected on the passing of their former sporting director Gil de Ferran.

The former Indy 500 winner died at the end of 2023, and was an integral figure at McLaren.

As their sporting director between 2018-2021, he helped turn McLaren’s fortunes around from being one of the worst teams on the grid to third in the constructors' championship in 2020.

Norris paid tribute to De Ferran following his victory, who offered him advice when he first joined F1 in 2019.

"He helped us a lot. He said I was going to win a race in the next couple of years and I managed to do that, so a big shout-out to Gil as well," Norris said to Sky Sports.

READ MORE: Rookie Hamilton stuns F1 among best British wins after first Norris triumph

McLaren team principal Andrea Stella also dedicated their Miami GP victory to Gil de Ferran.

"Most important is the victory for Lando because he deserves it so much. We have always said, as soon as we give him the right material, he will make it and he made it,” Stella said.

"I know what kind of work is behind this. It's so deserved for the McLaren team. I hope everyone enjoys this moment.

"This victory is for Gil de Ferran."

READ MORE: Lando Norris: 10 things you may not know about the F1 race winner

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