NORRIS RIDES A WAVE OF SUPPORT

Briton gets congratulations from peers and politicians after breakthrough win in Miami

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MIAMI It is doubtful there has been a more popular winner of a Formula One race in recent years than McLaren's Lando Norris, who was celebrated by everyone from Max Verstappen to Donald Trump following his victory at the Miami Grand Prix on May 5.

It was a long overdue triumph for Norris in his 110th grand prix. He held the record for most podiums without a win (15), including an agonising eight runner-up finishes, making the likeable Briton easy to root for.

Even Verstappen, Red Bull's three-time world champion who hates to lose and was denied a hattrick of Miami wins by Norris, was among the first to congratulate the 24-year-old, who was mobbed by his team, crowd-surfed along the pit lane and drenched in a shower of champagne.

"It was a long time coming, and I'm very happy to be beaten by Lando today," smiled a genuinely pleased Verstappen.

"He definitely deserved it. It's great winning your first race. It's always quite emotional. It brings you back to all the days that you worked towards your dream of being on the podium." Verstappen, who began on pole, had won four of the opening five races of the season and leads the world championship standings.