Landmark Norris victory a 'long time coming' – Piastri

Oscar Piastri hailed Lando Norris' maiden victory as a "long time coming" after the British driver claimed a famous win in the Miami Grand Prix.

Norris secured McLaren's first victory since the team's one-two in the 2021 Italian Grand Prix, which was led by Daniel Ricciardo.

Piastri was initially ahead of Norris and was running in P2, before falling behind Charles Leclerc, Carlos Sainz and Norris following his pit-stop.

Norris received the genuine lead of the race after capitalising on a mid-race safety car, offering him the chance to complete a cheap pit-stop having run a longer first stint.

After weathering an initial attack from Max Verstappen, Norris built almost an eight-second gap to the Red Bull driver.

The victory is hugely encouraging for McLaren, as Norris had the team's full upgrades package which was introduced in Miami.

"Yeah, I think definitely a lot of positives to come from today," Piastri told select media including RacingNews365. "I think for both of us the car was really strong.

"I think, to win the race on pace, to pull away from Max after the safety car, I think that's a very, very encouraging sign. So very happy for him and for the whole team. I think we deserve it.

"Our trajectory in the last 12 months has been towards this moment. For Lando it's been a long time coming. So I'm happy."

Sainz collision

Piastri in the end finished 13th after being forced to complete a second pit-stop, due to sustaining front-wing damage following a collision with Carlos Sainz.

The pair had two incidents: the first took place at Turn 11 and was not investigated by the stewards, despite a stern defence from Sainz who stressed that he was forced off the circuit.

Sainz later was at fault for contact with the Australian on the exit of Turn 17, where he locked up his rear tyres causing Piastri to go into him.

A five-second time penalty and a penalty point were awarded to Sainz, with the incident having ended Piastri's hopes of finishing fourth.

"I've not seen the incident, I need to take a look first," commented Piastri. "I need to see it, we weren't particularly close to the apex but I need to see it."