British Formula 1 driver Lando Norris beat triple world champion Max Verstappen into second place at the Miami Grand Prix on Monday, silencing critics who have dubbed him “Lando No-wins” on social media.
“I never lost faith, I never didn’t believe in what I could go out and do,” the 24-year-old said afterwards, according to the Guardian. Norris said he particularly enjoyed proving his naysayers wrong.
Norris made his F1 debut in 2019, in Australia, and this was the first of 110 race starts he’d won – though he’s had several close calls.
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In the lead up to the Miami Grand Prix, Norris faced plenty of online flak from people questioning his ability to win against Verstappen, but the racer said he found his detractors’ comments entertaining. “I like all the comments of people abusing me, I freaking love it, it makes me smile more than anything, especially ‘Lando No-wins’,” he said.
“For me to finally prove those people wrong and prove to people that didn’t think I could go out and do it, it’s put an even bigger smile on my face today. So I thank all of them.”
Verstappen – a friend of Norris’ – noted that the Brit “definitely deserved” his win. “He was just miles faster at the end there,” the Dutchman said. “It’s great, winning your first race is always quite emotional. It brings you back to all the days that you worked towards Formula One, and then you dream of being on the podium but then being on the top step.”
