“He’s got to!’ Lewis Hamilton claims he urged Lando Norris to ‘change his flight’ and celebrate maiden victory in Miami

Lewis Hamilton wanted Lando Norris to celebrate his incredible victory in Miami.

“He’s got to!’ Lewis Hamilton claims he urged Lando Norris to ‘change his flight’ and celebrate maiden victory in Miami

Lewis Hamilton (L), Lando Norris (R) (images via IMAGO)

Lando Norris‘ victory at the Miami GP was celebrated by everyone on the paddock. Lewis Hamilton was no exception as the Mercedes star ushered some words of encouragement for the 24-year-old. Norris was supposed to return to his home after the race. However, due to the maiden victory, the McLaren driver needed to celebrate. Hamilton urged the one-time race winner to stay back and celebrate in America.

Lewis Hamilton was one of the biggest supporters of Lando Norris to score his first victory in F1. The seven-time world champion was spotted clapping for Norris from his W15 challenger after the chequered flag. Hence, Hamilton now commented on the maiden race victory for Norris. The 39-year-old claimed that he was ‘really happy’ for the 24-year-old. Additionally, the former world champion urged Norris to extend his stay in America to celebrate such an awesome feat.

Honestly I feel really happy for Lando. I just told him he needs to stay tonight [to party]. He’s gonna try and change his flight, he’s got to! He just won a race!
Lewis Hamilton told during post-race interview.
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Additionally, Hamilton pointed out how the first victory was very special for any driver in the pinnacle of motorsport. The former McLaren driver also recalled his time with Woking and that it was more special due to this fact. It had been a really long time since McLaren was at the front of the grid in F1. Hence, Norris’ victory was even more special due to all these reasons.

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Such a special moment to win your first Grand Prix. ObviouslyI started at McLaren so, really happy to see them back at the top. It’s been a really long time.
Lewis Hamilton added.

Lewis Hamilton encouraged by Mercedes’ positive performance at the Miami GP

Mercedes’ struggles in the ground-effect era have continued in the 2024 season as well. However, the team brought upgrades to the challenger at the Miami GP. This helped Hamilton score an impressive P6 finish at the American weekend. Hence, the 39-year-old was encouraged due to the race results. The Briton also opened up regarding a great job by the team and getting the setup right of the W15 chassis.

Yeah, honestly really good day. Great job by the team, I was really happy with the setup we finally got, finally got that sorted, or at least in a better window.
Lewis Hamilton said, as reported by planetf1.com.
Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff.
Lewis Hamilton and Toto Wolff. (Via IMAGO)

Additionally, Hamilton reckoned that it was great to battle out on the track and move up the pecking order. The 39-year-old reckoned that he felt most calm on the track while battling for the place. Lewis Hamilton was also close to Ferrari and Red Bulls on the track towards the end. Hence, the Mercedes star claimed that it was a great race and was looking forward to the next race in Imola.

And to be able to move forwards and have some good battles with a few drivers. There was one which was close to ending. But what’s crazy is I just felt the most calm in that moment. I don’t know why. And then to hold on to the Red Bulls, or one of the Red Bulls at the end, it felt great to like see the Ferrari and the Red Bull within distance.
Lewis Hamilton concluded.

Mercedes will continue to attempt to score better results in the coming races. The team has been missing out on the battle with McLaren for the higher spot in the constructors’ championship. However, such performances from Norris have made Hamilton even happier to lose out on the victory.

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