Norris bemoans McLaren strategy blunder at Miami GP despite improved pace

Following a dramatic start to the Miami GP, Norris had a two-second lead on the young Italian by Lap 26, approaching the sole pit-stop phase of the 57-lap race. Mercedes opted to bring Antonelli in first, with Norris pitting a lap later - although the Briton emerged ahead of Antonelli, the one lap the Mercedes wonderkid had on fresher tyres had closed the gap considerably and allowed him to pass for the net lead at Turn 4.

While keeping him honest, Norris stayed behind Antonelli for the rest of the race, with the Italian extending his lead at the top of the standings to 20 points as Norris crossed the line just over three seconds behind.

McLaren have improved considerably upon F1's return from the five-week break, as seen in Norris leading their one-two victory in the Sprint Race on Saturday. The 26-year-old is pleased with McLaren's turnaround, but could not shake his frustration after the race, which he thought he could have won. On the immediate team radio at chequered flag, Norris said: "How did we not win this? We should have won guys."

Speaking at the post-race press conference, Norris was asked for his overriding emotions after securing the 45th podium of his career. He said: "I can look at it either way, I guess. I think I’m just very happy with the situation we’re in, which is we’re fighting for wins or fighting for the win today, a pole, the Sprint win.

The world champion then looked at the negatives to come out of the race, questioning whether his team had done enough to maximise their performance in Miami. "I’m unsure about that," he said.

Norris, however, remained positive when asked on McLaren's plan to bring upgrades to Montreal and whether he was confident about the team's future. "Certainly. I think you’d have to feel silly if you don’t feel confident about the future when we improved so much this weekend."