Norris: Maiden F1 win proves 'doubters' wrong

Lando Norris asserted his first Formula 1 grand prix victory has proved his “doubters” wrong.

Norris took the chequered flag in Miami ahead of Red Bull's Max Verstappen to win at his 110th race start.

Norris opted to extend his opening stint and was able to capitalise when a safety car was deployed following contact between Kevin Magnussen and Logan Sargeant.

After the restart, the Briton pulled away from Verstappen on the Hard compound and cruised to the chequered flag.

“About time - what a race,” Norris said. “It's been a long time coming but I've finally managed to do it, so I'm so happy for my whole team.

“I finally delivered for them. I'm finally on top so, I'm over the moon.

“A lot people I guess doubted me along the way. I've made small mistakes over my last five years, my short career, but today we put it all together.

“So this is all for the team. I stuck with McLaren because I could believe in them and I did believe in them and today proved exactly that.”

Norris pleased to overcome setbacks

Norris had a substantial upgrade package fitted to his car for the race weekend as McLaren continues its pursuit of championship leaders Red Bull.

The 24-year-old did not endure a straight-forward weekend after being eliminated in the sprint race following contact at Turn 1 before picking €50,000 fine for crossing a live pit track.

However, Norris was able to overcome the “setbacks” to capture his first trip to the top step of the podium.

“The whole weekend has been good. I've just had some little setbacks along the way,” he said.

“I knew on Friday we had the pace and just [made] a couple of mistakes here and there. But today, we managed to put it together.

“We had the perfect strategy, it all paid off so thanks to McLaren, [to] everyone, and I have to give a shout-out to my mum and dad, of course.”