Lando Norris' race engineer opens up about strategic victory at Miami, reflects on change in approach

The Miami Grand Prix has been one of the most memorable races for McLaren and Lando Norris, who won his first-ever GP in Florida. Now, after this iconic victory, Norris’ race engineer Will Joseph opened up about his emotional conversation with Norris after he clinched the checkered flag. 

Joseph has served as Lando Norris’ race engineer since the British driver joined the team in 2019. He was the first person Norris heard over the radio as he clinched a memorable victory in Miami. Over the years, the pair have forged a close working relationship, experiencing both triumphs and challenges together. 

After the race, amidst the initial euphoria, Joseph took a moment to reflect on their journey, acknowledging both the highs and lows they shared. In response to Norris’ “We did it Will” comments “We finally did, well done,” came the reply from Joseph. 

“It feels a long time coming, especially after Russia but no, it feels good,” Joseph said while speaking with Sky Sports F1 after the race celebrations. He further added, “It haunts me every day, it haunts me in my sleep! I feel like we can put that behind us now, I mean what a fantastic race! We discussed after qualifying the decisions we had made and we weren’t so sure, I think I’ll go back to him and say maybe they were the right ones!”

How did the aggressive approach and Safety car help Norris?

Lando Norris endorsed the assertive strategy in Miami. He swiftly manoeuvred to regain contention for the win with such speed that he propelled himself back into contention particularly aided by the timely appearance of the Safety Car.

“We said this morning maybe our game is to go long and hope something happens, and when the pace is there you just do, there’s no reason to stop early and it came out at probably the best time,” Joseph conceded.

“I mean you have to be worried about Max Verstappen, his pace had been strong the whole time but we were giving Lando Norris the gaps in the first few laps and once we seemed comfortable, we had a six-lap tyre advantage and, after a few laps we said you know to leave him alone, leave him to it and he was strong, it was good. We still give Norris that advice but at the same time we know sometimes to shut up and let him do it”, he concluded.