Lando Norris says his maiden Formula One win has provided him with the platform to challenge Max Verstappen for the world championship.

Norris ended his losing streak at the 110th attempt in Miami a fortnight ago – celebrating with a 24-hour party that took in two rounds of golf at Augusta National.

Norris trails Verstappen by 53 points after the opening six rounds but, speaking ahead of this weekend’s Emilia Romagna Grand Prix in Imola, he said: ‘Does it give me more hope that I can challenge them (Verstappen and Red Bull)? One hundred per cent.


 

‘We had an upgrade in Miami and it helped us but even without the upgrade we would have been good there.

‘I know Max sustained damage in the race and people use that as a reason for him not winning but even before that happened we were quicker than him by a huge chunk.

Lano Norris became a Formula One race winner at the Miami Grand Prix earlier this month


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Lano Norris became a Formula One race winner at the Miami Grand Prix earlier this month

Norris says he's now more confident of challenging Red Bull's Max Verstappen (pictured)
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Norris says he’s now more confident of challenging Red Bull’s Max Verstappen (pictured)