MIAMI — Sunday at Hard Rock Stadium was one of those rare days in any sport, not just F1.
It was a day when the losers praised the winners, and for good reason.
Lando Norris produced a spectacular performance at the Miami Grand Prix, finally reaching the top of the podium and securing his first victory in F1. But there was nothing but joy and happiness for the McLaren driver as his rivals, some of whom were once his teammates, spoke to the media after the race.
Daniel Ricciardo told the media: “I’m really happy about the birth of this child.” SB Nationfollowed by the Miami Grand Prix.
Ricciardo was team-mate with Norris for two seasons at McLaren.
“Obviously, as teammates, you get to know them a little bit better. And obviously, I get to know Lando a little bit better and have a little bit of a tight connection with you. So, Obviously, we spent some time together away from the track. He actually came to my farm in Australia in January of this year. I got to spend some time with him.” Ricardo continued.
“I like the kid. You know, I think a lot of us felt it was only a matter of time before he was going to have a day like this,” Ricciardo added. “But nothing is guaranteed in this sport. I was so happy for him to have a day like this. It will forever be one of the best days of his life.”
Another former teammate of Norris, Carlos Sainz Jr., also praised the McLaren driver in an interview with the media.
“I’m obviously happy for him,” Sainz began in an interview with the media. SB Nation.
“I think we know drivers who deserve to win races, and drivers who drive at a level that can win races. And we all know that Lando has been driving to win races. And when he overtakes someone, we’re all happy for him,” added the Ferrari driver.
Seven-time drivers’ champion Lewis Hamilton also praised the performance.
“I know Lando very well and we’ve had a good relationship, and he told me what it’s like to win your first Grand Prix and how special it is to win your first Grand Prix. That makes me happy for him,” Hamilton told the media. “I really hope he can appreciate and enjoy this moment.
“Because it’s big.”
Even Max Verstappen, the driver Norris held off, praised the McLaren driver.
Speaking after the Miami Grand Prix, Verstappen said: “I’m very happy for Lando. It’s been a long time coming, but this won’t be his last. So he definitely deserves the award today.”
