Miami Grand Prix 2024 - Race Schedule and Countdown

Lando Norris claimed his breakthrough maiden Formula 1 victory in dramatic fashion at the Miami Grand Prix, ending a 110-race wait to reach the top step of the podium. The British driver took advantage of McLaren's significant upgrade package to beat championship leader Max Verstappen in a thrilling battle under the Florida sun.

Starting second behind pole-sitter Verstappen, Norris seized his opportunity when a Safety Car period compressed the field. McLaren's crucial upgrades, introduced at this race, transformed the MCL38 into a genuine race-winning car. Norris executed a perfect restart and held off intense pressure from Verstappen in the closing laps to secure a historic first win. The emotional victory came in his 110th Grand Prix attempt, making him the driver with the most starts before their first win since 2012.

Verstappen finished second despite having the faster car for much of the race, while Charles Leclerc completed the podium for Ferrari in third. The result marked a pivotal moment in the 2024 season - McLaren's emergence as Red Bull's primary threat and the beginning of a genuine title fight. Oscar Piastri's fastest lap underlined McLaren's newfound pace, signaling that Red Bull's dominance had been decisively challenged.