MIAMI, Fla. – Last year, McLaren came to the 2024 Formula 1 Miami Grand Prix feeling a bit outmatched. But the upgrades they brought to the Miami International Autodrome quickly paid off, leading to Landorris securing his first Grand Prix victory. To celebrate that, Ferrari’s team principal, Frederick Vasser, joined the festivities in Paddock, showering McLaren’s Zac Brown and Norris with champagne.
This Sunday night in Paddock, the McLaren crew gathered again to toast the impressive win by Oscar Piastri and Norris’s second-place finish, snapping photos in front of their hospitality area. The mood was decidedly more laid-back this time. Sure, there was champagne—my shoes had the proof of that—but there was also a more subdued confidence in the air.
This really encapsulates the state of F1 these days.
McLaren is now a leading force on the grid. While the performance can vary from track to track, they aren’t just looking to steal victories anymore; they’ve become a benchmark that others aspire to reach.
“It’s a completely different environment compared to two years ago,” Piastri remarked at a FIA press conference.
“The determination and effort have always been there. Even back then, we knew there were plans in place to help us climb back up. So, despite being somewhat down in Miami two years ago, there was always optimism in the air.”
“Last year’s win was a great boost for the entire team. We finally have a car capable of winning again. Sure, we once had a successful 1-2 in Monza, but last season’s Miami race was particularly impressive.”
“Now, we’re just continuing on this path. The motivation hasn’t changed, but celebrations are definitely happening more often. That’s refreshing. Still, competition is tough. But, you know, it’s something we’ve embraced more than our rivals lately. Being in front brings its challenges, but it’s an incredible feeling.”
McLaren’s Team Principal Andrea Stella praised the entire squad, especially the engineers, during a media session after the race.
“We’ve seen this before. When tire conditions are tricky, particularly with overheating, our car manages to keep the tires in great shape. It seems stable under pressure,” Stella noted.
“This truly highlights the excellent engineering involved.”
“We’ve analyzed everything that affects tire performance in our car. I just want to take a moment to commend the hard work of the McLaren engineers.”
Reflecting on the team’s journey from one year to the next, Stella noted the thrill of a winning outcome in Miami.
“Today was an extraordinary result for McLaren, capping off a fantastic weekend with first and second places in the sprint yesterday, followed by the same finish in the Miami Grand Prix—the first for any team.”
There’s a fresh sense of confidence within this team, which makes it hard to forget how far they’ve come. Norris, before the 2023 Azerbaijan Grand Prix, acknowledged that they were just aiming for points back then.
Now, winning and chasing the championship are the new standards, highlighting the contrast between McLaren’s two celebrations in Miami over the past year. The first celebration was filled with joy and relief, while the latest reflected a quieter self-assurance, a belief that this new level of success is here to stay.
