Donald Trump Attends Exciting F1 US Grand Prix In Miami
Former President Donald Trump attended the Formula 1 United States Grand Prix in Miami, Florida, receiving a significant welcome from supporters before the race.
Trump joined the McLaren garage around the pit wall, speaking with McLaren racing CEO Zak Brown and waving to fans who chanted "USA, USA, USA."
He was also trackside during Marc Anthony's performance of the National Anthem, saluting as the song was performed.
MIAMI, FLORIDA - MAY 05: Donald Trump and McLaren Chief Executive Officer Zak Brown talk in the Pitlane prior to the F1 Grand Prix of Miami at Miami International Autodrome on May 05, 2024 in Miami, Florida. (Photo by Clive Mason/Getty Images)
Miami Grand Prix Turns In Fascinating, Surprising Result Thanks To Mid-Race Safety Car
For most of the U.S. Grand Prix, it seemed like it was set to be yet another runaway win for championship leader Max Verstappen. Verstappen got a great start and built up a sizable gap over McLaren's Oscar Piastri, though not quite to the extent of previous races.
That all changed though, with a fortuitously timed safety car for McLaren's Lando Norris. Williams' Logan Sargent and Haas' Kevin Magnussen collided, with Magnussen deemed to be at fault. Sargent was sent into the wall, which ended his race and necessitated a safety car to remove the Williams from the track.
That allowed Norris to save a ton of time and grab a cheap pit stop, while Verstappen was stuck out on track after an earlier stop. After the restart, Norris used the new tires to build a big gap between him and Verstappen in second, a gap that would prove to be enough to secure Norris' first ever win in Formula 1.
It was the first race of the year in which Verstappen finished and didn't secure a win, with the World Champion complaining during the race that he couldn't get the car to turn in. In some races this season, and in previous years, the advantage for Verstappen and the Red Bull has been so big that he's been able to withstand poorly timed safety cars or underwhelming pace.
Not Sunday.
For Norris, it's a remarkable win; yes he benefited from the safety car, but turned in great lap after great lap prior to the pit stop, allowing him to maintain a close enough gap to pounce when given the opportunity. And then ran away from the rest of the grid afterward.
Trump congratulated Norris after the race as well.
In a season where Verstappen's felt inevitable, the Norris win provides some much needed variety. Suddenly, there's a bit of vulnerability for the invincible Red Bull/Max combo.