“With Max, either it’s the accident, or you don’t pass”

Bahrain, Djeddah, then Miami. Oscar Piastri signed a third consecutive victory at the Miami Grand Prix. The Australian now has four victories on the first six heats of the season and increases his lead in the world championship. “Only” fourth qualifications, the McLaren driver first took advantage of the battle between Max Verstappen and Lando Norris, in which the Briton was forced to go outside the limits of the track, losing four positions.

Behind Kimi Antonelli, Oscar Piastri did not take long to get rid of the Mercedes, finding himself in the second position in the fourth round. A second from Verstappen, the Australian got closer and closer, to the point of bringing a first attack in the turn 11, without success, the Red Bull driver defending inside. After several attempts, it was ultimately in the 14th round that the McLaren driver took control of the race until the checkered flag, managing the rest quite easily. Second in the race sprint the day before, Oscar Piastri quickly forgot this disappointment, winning the most important race.

“I won the race that I really wanted. Yesterday was a difficult day. Obviously, the sprint was what it was, but the qualifications were probably one of my most delicate sessions of the year. And winning the victory on Sunday is an impressive result. So yes, obviously, there was a little biggage at the first turn, which I had a little bit of a rhythm. And the car was incredible today. “

“The first relay was very, very strong. And then, during the second relay, I honestly had a little trouble. It is therefore a good thing to have dug the gap in the first relay. Towards the end, I started to take matters into my own hands. But there are still things I have to work on. I am therefore very happy with this victory, very happy with the points, but I must continue to learn.

Oscar Piastri hunting behind Max Verstappen.

Photo de: Steven Tee / Motorsport Images

Miami is a special place for McLaren. Last year, Lando Norris won his first victory in Formula 1 and the British team also became the most efficient team on the set. A result which contrasts enormously with the 17th and 19th positions in 2023.

“It’s simply incredible, the hard work that was done. I remember that two years ago, here in Miami, we were really the slowest team. I think we were doubled twice. And having won the Grand Prix with more than 35 seconds ahead of the third is an incredible result. And it is thanks to the hard work of each person, but also to the factory.”

“Max fought well, and I paid the price”

Lando Norris must be satisfied with second place.

Photo de: James Sutton / Motorsport Images

On the other side of the garage, the Lando Norris race took a big turning point from the first turn. While Verstappen pulled up slightly straight after a small wheel blocking at the end of the straight line, the McLaren driver was able to live up to the Red Bull, which returned to the main trajectory, forcing the McLaren to go off the track. Norris then lost four places, found himself in sixth position.

On a much more important pace, Lando Norris quickly defeated Alexander Albon, George Russell and Kimi Antonelli, before finding himself a few seconds from his teammate. The Briton then took advantage of the battle in mind to return to the two pilots. Only, Norris took a little more time than his teammate to pass the Dutchman, finding himself almost nine seconds of Piastri after getting rid of Verstappen.

In the analysis of his race, Lando Norris explained that she was the first fault in his battle with Verstappen, which prevented him from returning to his teammate. In addition, he was also fatalist on the outcome of battles with the Dutchman.

“The team did an incredible job. Good stops at the stands, a good rhythm. We were faster, so it was a good feeling, but Oscar piloted well. Max fought well, as always, and I paid the price, but that is like that. What can I say? If I don’t go, people complain, and if I go, people complain too.”

“But that’s how it is with Max, either it’s the accident, either you don’t go. If you are really well placed and you put it in a delicate position, then you can get there. But I paid the price for not having done a fairly good work today, but I am so happy that we are second.”