Lando Norris’ dad hands McLaren huge new target after stunning Miami Grand Prix win

Lando Norris’ father believes the next aim for his Grand Prix winning son next season is to win the F1 drivers’ championship.

Norris won the first of his career in Miami, beating dominant title holder Max Verstappen to the chequered flag.

It was a seriously impressive drive from the British star who looked composed despite having the Dutchman attempting to chase him down.

But his father Adam has admitted he didn’t always feel confident his son would stand atop the podium in F1.

Asked if he thought Norris would ever win a Formula 1 race, he surprisingly told talkSPORT: “Probably not.

“I think the other parents out there stick with it but I didn’t even know if he was going to get to F1. It’s a really difficult thing.

“The first real goal is just to get into F1, then stay in F1, then win a race, and then win the championship.”

And now Norris Sr, believes a championship has to be the aim for Lando and McLaren.

He added: “I think there’s a real opportunity to win more this year. He’s had a number of seconds.

“And next year they have really got to aim for the championship, I think. The team is really doing well.”

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Asked whether Norris himself had always been confident about his chances of glory, he added: “Yes, as long as the car is there, is the truth.

“McLaren have done a massive job. Zak Brown, who came in about five years ago to run McLaren has gradually improved the team, improved the wind tunnel, and improved the equipment they have got there.

“He’s been super fast, he was the youngest ever go-kart world champion, before him it was Lewis Hamilton. He’s won every championship all the way through and been very quick – but then you need the equipment and the team now is coming through and you’re starting to see his real talent.

“He’s always been confident he could win and be as fast as anyone in the world just because if you go through his history he won nearly every championship.

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“It’s been super natural but super hardworking.”

And while he’s usually hardworking, the 24-year-old definitely took the night off.

He was told to go out and party in Miami by several drivers, including Hamilton and close friend Verstappen.

And McLaren CEO facilitated it by delaying Norris’ flight home.