Norris wins Miami GP on star-studded weekend

A "sun-splashed weekend of fun, star-gazing and Formula One racing" culminated yesterday in a "stunning finish" at the Miami Grand Prix, as driver Lando Norris took the checkered flag for his first-ever title. It was presumed that Max Verstappen, the circuit's "dominant" driver, would win in his third consecutive Miami Grand Prix. The event was a sellout "even though there were midweek concerns," with Dolphins Vice Chair, President & CEO Tom Garfinkel saying that over 275,000 fans came through the turnstiles over the three days. There are "still wrinkles that must be ironed out" every year, and one of next year’s issues to be improved upon is "opening the gates sooner" on Saturday. There was "a logjam of fans" for the Sprint Race (South Florida SUN SENTINEL, 5/5).

Norris' win "isn’t just great" for aspiring F1 fans in the U.S. "weary of Verstappen’s recent dominance," but everyone in F1. The race and its outcome "provided intrigue, excitement, Miami vibes, and reiterated F1’s push in the states" with the first of three races this year (USA TODAY, 5/5). The victory "came at a crucial moment" in the sport. Over the last 28 grands prix, Red Bull has topped all but two races and Verstappen "has gone largely unchallenged" (THE ATHLETIC, 5/5).

McLaren before the start of the race hosted former President Donald Trump, who "chatted with F1 officials from inside the McLaren garage." When he made his way toward the starting grid, "fans began chanting 'USA! USA!' and Trump pumped his fist in approval" (AP, 5/5). The backlash on social media was "swift and vicious enough for McLaren to put out a statement" just as the race began, stressing they were a "non-political organisation" but adding that they "recognised and respected" the office of President. Liberty Media President & CEO Greg Maffei and F1 President Stefano Domenicali were "indeed both waiting for Trump" inside the McLaren garage along with FIA President Mohammed ben Sulayem. Whoever invited him, "if the goal was to raise awareness of the race, it worked" (London TELEGRAPH, 5/5).

Celebrities "flocked to Miami" to attend the race. Among the stars "strolling down the paddocks" were Chiefs QB Patrick Mahomes, Chiefs TE Travis Kelce, former NFLer Tom Brady, actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney, PGA Tour player Rory McIlroy, soccer stars Zinedine Zidane, Trent Alexander-Arnold and Juan Mata, as well as boxer Anthony Joshua (NBCLOSANGELES.com, 5/5).