Lando Norris was all smiles after achieving one of his childhood dreams by taking victory for McLaren in Sunday afternoon’s dramatic, rain-affected British Grand Prix.
Norris started the encounter in third position, behind polesitting Red Bull rival Max Verstappen and team mate Oscar Piastri, but rose to the fore as conditions changed between torrential rain and bright sunshine.
While his route to the top step of the podium was aided by Verstappen’s spin amid a mid-race Safety Car and Piastri’s 10-second penalty for his driving at the restart, Norris did not put a foot wrong and lapped up the applause from the home fans as he closed in on the chequered flag.
“The last few laps I was just looking into the crowd,” said Norris. “I was just trying got take it all in, enjoy the moment, because it might never happen again. I hope it does, but these are memories that I’ll bring with me forever so – an incredible achievement.”
Given the changeable conditions, the challenge of keeping his car pointing in the right direction and the various incidents unfolding around him, Norris continued: “In terms of being a stressful race, this is as stressful as you can get.
“I mean, it was a good race for Oscar as well. I’ve got to give my credits to Oscar, he was fast the whole way. So, yeah, a round of applause for Oscar.
“He put up a good fight and I enjoy those moments together when we’re on track. Not as much when he’s ahead of me as when he’s behind, but that’s life. Credit to him and of course McLaren.
“To win at home in front of all the friends and family that we have here is pretty amazing, so a big thanks to them.”
Norris’ victory means he has cut Piastri’s championship lead from 15 points to eight, with a mini break coming up before drivers return to action at the Belgian Grand Prix over the weekend of July 25-27.
