Norris: McLaren Missed Win After Miami Strategy Mistake

Lando Norris said McLaren squandered a clear chance at their first Grand Prix victory of 2026 after Kimi Antonelli stole the win in Miami.

Norris held an advantage of nearly two seconds before the only pit-stop window, but Mercedes called Antonelli in first. The Italian put together a strong fresh-tyre out-lap that handed him the undercut. When Norris stopped he emerged just ahead, but Antonelli carried more momentum and swept past into the lead at Turn 4. Antonelli kept the position to complete a hat-trick of wins and extended his lead in the Drivers’ Championship to 20 points over George Russell.

Norris crossed the line about three seconds behind and was visibly frustrated afterwards, saying the team should have boxed earlier and that they were simply undercut. He praised Antonelli and Mercedes for their race, while also admitting he felt short on race pace and that McLaren needed to review its pit-timing decisions. Despite disappointment at missing the win, Norris described the weekend as largely positive.

McLaren had arrived in Miami with a sizeable upgrade package and showed strong pace all weekend. Norris converted his Sprint pole into the Sprint race win and, although he qualified only fourth for the Grand Prix, he surged into the lead early after passing Charles Leclerc and Antonelli in the opening laps.

Team principal Andrea Stella agreed McLaren left a victory on the table. He pointed to Antonelli’s “mega” out-lap and some lost time during McLaren’s pit execution as decisive factors. Stella acknowledged that the team could have done better on the in-lap and the stop, but stressed the positives from the weekend and hinted at further upgrades coming for upcoming races.

Oscar Piastri finished third for McLaren while George Russell was fourth, leaving Mercedes comfortably ahead in the Constructors' standings — 68 points clear of Ferrari and 86 ahead of McLaren. Stella noted Mercedes still hold a small advantage but emphasised McLaren’s progress after overcoming earlier setbacks this season, including a double non-start in China.

Formula 1 now heads to Montreal for the Canadian Grand Prix, another Sprint weekend scheduled for May 22–24.