Stella can't believe his luck after Norris win: 'Have always said this'
F1 News
It's a great Sunday for McLaren. Lando Norris has won a Formula One race for the first time in his career. Team boss Andrea Stella is immensely proud of the Briton, he told Sky Sports.
Norris had to wait a long time for his victory. He is now in his sixth season as a Formula 1 driver. As such, the McLaren driver came close to a win before when he led for a long time at the Russian Grand Prix. Because he decided too late to make a pit stop in the rain, this race was eventually lost.
McLaren team boss' reaction after Norris win
"He deserved it so much," Stella began after the Miami Grand Prix. "We always said as soon as we give him the right material, he's gonna make it. And he made it. And like, for me, my thoughts are with men and women at McLaren."
McLaren had brought as many as 10 upgrades to Miami. Last year, the team already made one big leap through modifications to the car. Stella said: "I know what kind of work is behind it. It's so deserved. It's so deserved for the McLaren team. I hope everyone enjoyed this moment. And the last thing I want to say this victory is for Gil de Ferran," De Ferran died in late 2023.
The fact McLaren suddenly had the speed to compete for victory was not obvious. Could this happen more often in the future? "We knew that the car was quick. It's a bit of a surprise, but we take it positively and we take it for the future as well."